In a move aimed at curbing migration from the hills and boosting rural livelihoods, the Uttarakhand government is set to develop two digital nomad villages as part of a pilot project near Dehradun and Haldwani. The initiative, inspired by successful experiments in Sikkim and Goa, will promote the concept of ‘Work from Village’ by offering a blend of scenic beauty and modern infrastructure to attract remote workers from across the country and abroad.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to bring this vision to life. Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shailesh Bagoli, has been assigned the responsibility of formulating and implementing the project on the ground. The model is expected to mirror the success of Yakten village in Sikkim, which was recently declared India’s first official digital nomad village.
The pilot project will focus on expanding homestay facilities and equipping selected villages with robust infrastructure. This includes the provision of high-speed internet, reliable Wi-Fi, improved roads, regular electricity supply, clean drinking water, and proper drainage systems. The aim is to create an environment where professionals can seamlessly work from rural areas while enjoying the tranquillity and natural charm of Uttarakhand’s hill villages.
“Uttarakhand has immense potential for such a model due to its clean environment, better connectivity with Delhi-NCR, and the increasing popularity of homestays among domestic and international tourists,” said an official from the Chief Minister’s Office. “By linking the existing homestay scheme with this program, we hope to empower local communities and strengthen the rural economy.”
The ‘Work from Village’ program is designed not only to provide a productive and peaceful working environment for digital professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, but also to bring economic opportunities to villagers. These nomad-friendly zones are being envisioned as ecosystems where remote work, tourism, and small-scale industries can co-exist and thrive.
Uttarakhand’s pilot villages near Dehradun and Haldwani will be the testing grounds for this initiative. If successful, the model could be replicated across other parts of the state, particularly in the middle and upper Himalayan regions that continue to witness high rates of outmigration due to lack of employment opportunities.
This initiative aligns with the state government’s broader goal of reversing migration trends, preserving local culture, and ensuring sustainable development of the hill economy by embracing innovative ideas and digital transformation.
