Author: Nation Pulse 24

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.

Major research revelation regarding an Uttarakhand college under the leadership of Dr. Afroz Iqbal

Research Reveals Alarming Trend: 68.5% of Uttarakhand College Students Frequently Absent from Classes

Report by Amaanullah Usmani

Dehradun: A significant research study conducted on increasing student absenteeism, employment-related concerns, and challenges in higher education institutions across Uttarakhand has brought several alarming facts to light. The study was carried out under the leadership and academic guidance of Dr. Afroz Iqbal, Head of the Department of Sociology and Principal Investigator at Shaheed Durga Mall Government Post Graduate College, Doiwala. Research scholars Anjali Sharma, Rajkiran Shah, and Shivam Gairola played an active role in the project.

The survey-based research, conducted over a period of six months, involved 400 students from various government and affiliated colleges across Uttarakhand. The findings revealed that nearly 68.5 percent of students remain absent from regular classes at some level. The study further highlighted that the reasons behind absenteeism extend beyond a lack of interest in academics. Major contributing factors include growing concerns about employment opportunities, financial difficulties, long commuting distances, family responsibilities, and dissatisfaction with the employability relevance of existing academic curricula.

The research also found that a large number of students are prioritizing preparation for competitive examinations. Many respondents believe that coaching institutes and self-study offer better prospects for success in government jobs and other competitive exams. As a result, several students devote more time to exam preparation than to attending regular college classes.

Appreciating the study, Dr. D.P. Bhatt, Principal of the college, described it as a serious effort to understand the real challenges and expectations of students. He congratulated the research team and noted that such studies can play a vital role in making the education system more effective and student-centric.

Speaking about the findings, Dr. Afroz Iqbal emphasized that student absenteeism should not be viewed merely as a matter of discipline. Instead, it must be understood within the broader context of education, employment opportunities, and social realities. He suggested that the introduction of employment-oriented education, effective career counseling, and an academic environment aligned with competitive examination requirements could significantly improve student attendance in colleges.

The study serves as an important wake-up call for policymakers and educational institutions, highlighting the urgent need to bridge the gap between higher education and employment aspirations among students in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand’s Pride Lost: Legendary Indian Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana Passes Away at 49

Former Asian Games gold medallist and mentor to Olympic star Manu Bhaker dies after suffering a heart ailment; Indian sports fraternity mourns a huge loss.

New Delhi/Dehradun: Indian shooting has suffered a heartbreaking loss with the untimely demise of renowned shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana. The 49-year-old, who hailed from Uttarakhand and was widely regarded as one of India’s greatest shooting icons, passed away on Friday while undergoing treatment for a heart-related illness.

According to reports, Rana had recently returned from Germany after attending the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where he was serving as the High-Performance Coach for the Indian pistol shooting team. Sources said he experienced health complications during the flight and was taken directly to a hospital in Delhi after landing. Doctors conducted several tests and inserted a stent, but despite all efforts, he could not be saved.

Jaspal Rana was officially appointed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) as the High-Performance Coach for the 25m Pistol event in February 2025. He was credited with introducing a disciplined and demanding training regime that helped shape a new generation of Indian shooters. Under his guidance, the Indian contingent delivered an impressive performance at the Munich World Cup, winning two gold and two silver medals.

A champion both on and off the shooting range, Rana dedicated more than three decades of his life to Indian shooting. As an athlete, he brought glory to the nation by winning multiple medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Shooting Championships, establishing himself as one of India’s most successful marksmen.

As a coach, his contribution was equally remarkable. He played a crucial role in nurturing young talent and was instrumental in the rise of several top shooters, including two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. His commitment to developing the next generation of champions earned him the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2020, one of India’s highest sporting honours.

Jaspal Rana’s passing is being described as an irreparable loss for Indian sports. Tributes have poured in from athletes, coaches, sports officials and fans across the country, all remembering him not only as a legendary shooter but also as a mentor, motivator and true ambassador of Indian sports.

With his achievements, dedication and inspiring legacy, Jaspal Rana will forever remain a shining star in the history of Indian shooting.

Social Activist Khurshid Ahmad Siddiqui Writes to Uttarakhand CM Dhami, Calls for Urgent Fire Safety Measures

Demands survey of unauthorized multi-storey buildings and strict enforcement of fire and structural safety norms across the state

Report: Amaanullah Usmani

Dehradun: Prominent social activist Khurshid Ahmad Siddiqui has written a letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressing serious concern over the growing number of unauthorized multi-storey buildings and the lack of adequate fire safety measures in the state. Referring to the recent tragic fire incident in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, he warned that Uttarakhand could face a similar disaster if timely preventive measures are not taken.

In his letter, Siddiqui stated that rapid and unbalanced urban development in Dehradun and other parts of Uttarakhand has led to a sharp increase in the construction of multi-storey buildings. Many of these structures, he noted, are built without adhering to approved plans and fail to obtain mandatory Completion Certificates and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the concerned authorities.

He emphasized that several such buildings lack essential fire-fighting systems, emergency exits, water storage facilities, and other critical safety arrangements. In the event of a short circuit, fire outbreak, or an earthquake measuring 6.0 or above on the Richter scale, these buildings could become death traps, resulting in enormous loss of life and property.

Siddiqui also questioned the functioning of regulatory authorities, alleging that there is little monitoring to ensure whether buildings are constructed according to approved designs and whether mandatory safety clearances have been obtained after completion.

The social activist urged the Chief Minister to order a comprehensive survey of all unauthorized and multi-storey buildings across Uttarakhand, particularly in Dehradun. He called upon the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority and other concerned agencies to verify the structural integrity, fire safety systems, and compliance with prescribed safety standards of such buildings.

Referring to previous fire incidents in Tyuni, Purola, and several hill regions of Uttarakhand, where entire rows of houses were reduced to ashes, Siddiqui said these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the state’s vulnerability. He stressed that proactive measures are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

Concluding his appeal, Khurshid Ahmad Siddiqui stated that public safety must be treated as a top priority and that any delay in implementing corrective measures could expose innocent citizens to grave risks. He urged the government to take immediate and effective action before a major disaster strikes.

Hard Work Honoured: 250 Meritorious Students Receive Gold Medals, 26 Eminent Personalities Also Felicitated

 

From Education to Excellence: Progressive Community Honours Young Achievers and Distinguished Contributors

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Dehradun: In a grand ceremony dedicated to education, talent, and social service, Progressive Community, Dehradun organized the “Talent Felicitation Ceremony–2026” at the Cultural Department Auditorium. Around 250 meritorious students who excelled in the High School and Intermediate examinations were honoured with mementos, gold medals, and certificates of appreciation. Additionally, 26 distinguished personalities from the fields of education, literature, law, journalism, medicine, sports, and social service were recognized with prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions to society.

The programme was presided over by renowned educationist and social worker Dr. Sarfaraz Hussain, while senior Congress leader Vaibhav Walia attended as the Chief Guest. The event was skillfully conducted by Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui, Patron of Progressive Community.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Vaibhav Walia congratulated the award-winning students and wished them a bright future. He stated that success comes through consistent hard work, discipline, and dedication to one’s goals. He encouraged students to remain focused on their ambitions and contribute positively to society and nation-building.

In his presidential address, Dr. Sarfaraz Hussain urged young people to become self-reliant. He emphasized that education should not merely be viewed as a means of securing employment but as a tool for developing awareness, critical thinking, and leadership qualities. He encouraged the youth to explore self-employment, entrepreneurship, and business opportunities.

Special speaker Associate Professor and Career Guide Dr. Afroz Iqbal provided valuable insights into educational and professional opportunities available to students. Highlighting future challenges and possibilities, he guided students on career planning and higher education. An interactive question-and-answer session was also held, during which students sought guidance regarding career choices, higher studies, and competitive examinations.

Dr. Nayyar Kazmi, State President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), appreciated the efforts of Progressive Community and described the initiative as inspiring for the educational development of society. He urged students to pursue education with dedication, sincerity, and discipline.

Mohammad Munish of MCD Career & Guidance Centre, Roorkee, informed the audience about the institution’s efforts in providing free coaching and guidance to economically weaker students preparing for competitive examinations, enabling many of them to achieve success.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jamshed Usmani, Secretary of Progressive Community, highlighted the organization’s objectives and its various educational and social welfare programmes. He remarked that the true purpose of education is not merely obtaining degrees but becoming a better human being. He encouraged students to uphold moral values and become responsible members of society.

Senior journalist Mohammad Saleem Saifi, recipient of the Maulvi Baqar Award, spoke about the significance of journalism and its social responsibilities. He described journalism as a powerful medium for creating awareness and bringing truth before society. He advised students to strive to become good human beings, avoid blindly imitating others, develop their own identity, and continuously work on enhancing their personality.

During the ceremony, several distinguished individuals were honoured for their remarkable contributions in various fields. The Maulvi Baqar Award was presented to senior journalist Mohammad Saleem Saifi. The Justice Agha Haider Award was conferred upon Advocate Anas Ali, Advocate Musa Khan, Advocate Farzan Ullah Usmani, Advocate Mohammad Suheb, and Advocate Umer Malik. The Engineer Abdur Rahman Award was presented to MCD Career & Guidance Centre, Roorkee.

The Sir Syed Award was conferred upon Noor Ilahi, Dr. Rehman Khan, Dr. Sudhir Pawar, and Areeb Khalid Farooqui. The Dr. Zakir Husain Award was presented to Engineer Shameem Ahmad Ansari, Mohammad Ikram Ansari, and Dr. M. S. Ansari. The Hakim Ajmal Khan Award was awarded to Hakim Ishrat Farooqui.

For contributions to literature, Syed Ziaul Hasan Zaidi “Zia Nehtauri” received the Dagh Dehlvi Award, while Khursheed Ali Khan “Nadeem Barni” was honoured with the Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib Award.

For academic excellence, Miss Zunaira Hashmi and Ubaid Ullah Kazmi received the Best Student Award. Syed Ibad Hassan and Ashraf Jamal Qureshi were honoured with the Best LLB Student Award. Adeeba Siddiqui, who earned a Ph.D. in English Literature from Aligarh Muslim University, received the Academic Excellence and Research Achievement Honour.

Mrs. Faza Ghazali and Syed Suhail Zameer Hussain were presented with the Law Career Commencement Honour, while Amaanullah Usmani received the Journalism Career Commencement Honour. Amjad Usmani, CEO of the Uttarakhand Tennis Ball Cricket Association, was honoured with the Captain Zafar Iqbal Award for his notable contribution to sports.

The prize distribution ceremony was efficiently anchored by Miss Aiman Siddiqui, whose efforts were highly appreciated by the audience.

The success of the programme was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Mohammad Sabir Siddiqui, Advocate Syed Suhail Zameer, Arif Siddiqui, Khalid Farooqui, Ashraf Hashmi, Advocate Danish Ghazali, Mohammad Ikram Ansari, Syed Iram Naaz, Miss Seher Khan, and Dr. Shagufta Jahan, among many others.

A large number of students, parents, teachers, social workers, and distinguished citizens attended the event. The ceremony concluded with prayers and best wishes for the bright future of the honoured students and the continued progress of society.

Speakers Emphasised Educational Awareness and Modern Learning in the Muslim Community

Report: Amaanullah Usmani
Dehradun: A grand and dignified function was organised on Sunday at Sir Syed Hall, Van Vihar Colony, Dehradun, on the occasion of the 151st Foundation Day of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The programme was held under the aegis of the AMU Alumni Association, Dehradun, and witnessed the participation of several eminent social, educational and intellectual personalities of the city who paid tribute to the educational services and vision of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
The event was convened by Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui, while the programme was presided over by retired Chief Engineer Janab Mohammad Umar. Janab Shamshad Ahmad attended the event as the Chief Guest. Among other distinguished guests present were Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Hakim Ishrat Farooqui, Dr. Sohela Ahmad, Engineer Anwar Kamal, Mrs. Akila Begum, Miss Azli Fatima, Haji Sulaiman Ansari, Qari S. Zaheerul Hasan and several other respected personalities from different walks of life.
The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a soulful presentation of Naat-e-Pak. During their addresses, the speakers highlighted that Aligarh Muslim University is not merely an educational institution, but a historic movement that played a vital role in creating educational awareness among Indian Muslims. They stated that the message of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who strongly advocated modern education for the upliftment of the community, remains equally relevant and important in today’s era.
The speakers observed that the present age is driven by competition, science and technology. Therefore, the Muslim community should not restrict itself only to religious education, but must actively pursue modern education in fields such as medicine, engineering, science, technology and digital learning. Parents were urged to pay special attention to the education of their children, particularly girls, as an educated society alone can progress towards success and prosperity.
The gathering also discussed the responsibilities of today’s youth, advising them to utilise their time productively instead of getting excessively involved in social media and unnecessary activities. The speakers said that AMU has always symbolised brotherhood, education, culture and social awareness, and the younger generation must carry forward this glorious legacy.
Special prayers were offered at the end of the programme for peace, harmony and prosperity in the country. A lunch was also arranged for the guests and participants. The event concluded in a warm, inspiring and cordial atmosphere, leaving behind a strong message of education, unity and social progress.

Afzal Manglauri Conferred with the “Uttarakhand Gaurav Chishti Award – 2025”

Dehradun | The Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman (Literary Pride Honor) ceremony, organized by the Uttarakhand Language Institute, was held at the ‘Mukhya Sevak Sadan’ (Chief Servant’s House) located within the Chief Minister’s residence. During the event, individuals who have made remarkable contributions in various fields were honored.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conferred the ‘Sahitya Bhushan Samman’—Uttarakhand’s highest literary honor—upon Dr. Jiten Thakur. Additionally, he presented the ‘Uttarakhand Long-term Outstanding Literary Creation Award’ to Dr. Buddhinath Mishra, Shyam Singh Kutela, Dr. Pritam Singh, Kesar Singh Rai, and Ata-e-Sabir (Afzal Manglauri).

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented the state’s highest award for Urdu literature—the “Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman: Unwan Chishti Award – 2025″—to the internationally renowned poet and former Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Urdu Academy, Afzal Manglauri. In recognition of his long-standing services to Urdu literature, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami lauded Afzal Manglauri’s literary and social contributions, presenting him with a cash prize of ₹1,51,000, a shawl, a commemorative award, and a citation.

Present on the occasion were Khajan Das (Uttarakhand Government’s Minister for Social Welfare, Minority Welfare, and Language), Health Minister Subodh Uniyal, MLA Savita Kapoor, and others. Maya Devi Dhakriyal, Director of the Language Department, remarked that Afzal Manglauri has brought glory to Uttarakhand both within the country and abroad, noting that he has authored eight books spanning various literary genres. Among the other litterateurs honored with the ‘Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman – 2025’ in various languages, the names of Dr. Jiten Thakur, Dr. Buddhinath Mishra, Dr. Yashwant Katoch, Shyam Singh Kutela, Dr. Pritam Singh, and Kesar Singh Rai were also highlighted. The proceedings of the program were anchored by Dr. Sushil Kumar Upadhyay.

In his address during the ceremony, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that it was a matter of immense pride for him to have the opportunity to honor the distinguished litterateurs of the state. He stated that Dr. Jiten Thakur, recipient of the “Uttarakhand Sahitya Bhushan Samman,” is a source of inspiration not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire world of Hindi literature.