Himachal Pradesh to Launch Statewide Social Justice Yatra for SC-ST Development Fund

On April 1, 2026, Himachal Pradesh will commence a statewide Social Justice Yatra, advocating for a dedicated SC-ST Development Fund law. The campaign, starting in Chamba, will include a door-to-door initiative to raise awareness and culminate in memorandums submitted to the Chief Minister on Ambedkar Jayanti. Despite previous efforts, the coalition claims no significant government action has been taken, prompting this mass mobilization. The yatra aims to unify voices across constituencies under the slogan "One Demand, One Voice" to push for legislative change.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 19:59 IST

Statewide Campaign for Social Justice

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Chamba

Beginning on April 1, 2026, Himachal Pradesh will kick off a comprehensive "Social Justice Yatra" aimed at advocating for a dedicated law concerning the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Fund. This initiative will start in the Chamba district and will reach every assembly constituency across the state.

A press release from the state coalition indicates that the yatra will feature a "Har Ghar Dastak" (door-to-door) campaign designed to educate the public on the necessity of this legislation. On April 14, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, memorandums will be presented to the Chief Minister via local legislators, urging the government to honor its election manifesto commitment and begin the legislative process for the SC-ST Development Fund.

The coalition, established in March 2023, has been actively pursuing this cause. They have reviewed five years of government initiatives and compiled a comprehensive status report. Meetings were conducted with the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister as well as the Tribal Development Minister during the monsoon session of 2023. On February 1, 2024, a delegation, supported by letters from over 15 MLAs, approached the Chief Minister to advocate for progress. A draft bill was subsequently submitted on March 14, 2024, through Bhouranj MLA Dr. Suresh Kumar, and the matter was revisited during the winter session at Tapovan on December 19, 2024.

Despite these ongoing efforts, the coalition asserts that the government has yet to take significant action. Consequently, the movement is evolving into a widespread campaign through the "Social Justice Yatra."

According to coalition representative Sukhdev Vishwapremi, the yatra will promote the slogan "One Demand, One Voice" throughout all constituencies, aiming to rally public support for the establishment of the SC-ST Development Fund law.