Irregularities Confirmed in Probe, Yet No Punishment; Serious Questions Raised Over Cantonment Board’s Role

Alleged irregularities in PM Poshan Scheme: Delay in action deepens suspicion of ‘shielding the accused

Dehradun: Serious questions are being raised over the functioning of the Cantonment Board after no final action has been taken against former Headmistress Smt. Mamta Guleria of Cantt Junior High School, Premnagar, despite an inquiry report confirming alleged irregularities under the PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme and the issuance of a formal charge sheet.

According to official documents, a complaint against Smt. Mamta Guleria was filed on the Chief Minister’s Helpline Portal, following which an inquiry was ordered by the District Education Department. The investigation was conducted by the Principal of Government Inter College, Gaziwala, Dehradun. Based on the findings, the District Education Officer (DEO) wrote to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cantonment Board on November 4, 2024, directing action under the Cantonment Board Employees Service Rules, 2021.

Subsequently, a three-member preliminary inquiry committee constituted by the Cantonment Board also confirmed irregularities related to the distribution of rice and pulses and maintenance of records under the PM POSHAN scheme. Acting on the inquiry findings, the Board resolved in its meeting held on March 27, 2025, to issue a charge sheet to Smt. Guleria, which was formally served on April 4, 2025.

However, despite the complaint, inquiry findings, and issuance of the charge sheet, more than a year has passed without any final disciplinary action. The prolonged delay has triggered widespread speculation and raised concerns about whether influential elements within the system are attempting to shield the accused from accountability.

Adding to the pressure, the District Project Office of PM POSHAN, Dehradun, issued a strongly worded letter on June 23, 2025, reminding the Cantonment Board that PM POSHAN is one of the Government of India’s flagship welfare schemes and that negligence or irregularities at any level cannot be tolerated.

The letter reportedly described the delay in taking appropriate action as “highly regrettable and unfortunate” and directed the Board to submit an immediate status report so that updates could be uploaded on the Chief Minister’s Helpline Portal and other official platforms.

The biggest question now is: Why has final action not been taken despite confirmed irregularities, an official inquiry report, and a charge sheet already being issued? Administrative circles are increasingly questioning whether the delay is merely procedural or whether certain officials are intentionally prolonging the matter to provide relief to the accused.

Parents, citizens, and stakeholders are now closely watching the Cantonment Board administration. The coming days may determine whether transparency and accountability prevail or whether yet another case involving a public welfare scheme remains buried in bureaucratic delays.