CJP Issues 10-Day Ultimatum to Dhami Govt Over Closure of 826 Schools, Threatens Protest Seeking Education Minister’s Resignation..
he Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has entered Uttarakhand under its “Fix the Schools Campaign.” Following this, the CJP has launched a campaign against the Dhami government regarding the government education system in Uttarakhand. The CJP has demanded answers from the government regarding the closure of 826 government schools in the state. Regarding the shortage of teachers, dilapidated buildings, and lack of basic facilities in government schools, the CJP has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the government. It has also warned of a peaceful protest after October 2nd if clarification is not received. The protest will demand the resignation of Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat. The party’s North Zone convenor, Shrestha Singh, and other officials have raised several serious questions against the Dhami government in Dehradun. In a press conference held in Dehradun on Sunday, Shrestha Singh Kheda, North Zone convenor of the Cockroach Janata Party, stated that the party’s Save the Schools campaign will be widely implemented in Uttarakhand as well. Seeks Transport Facilities for Students in Hilly Areas Following the protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the CJP is now preparing to corner the Uttarakhand government over issues related to the state of government schools and the education system. Kheda questioned why 826 primary schools were closed in Uttarakhand, the reasons behind these closures, and what arrangements have been made for the education of the children studying there. The CJP North Zone convener claimed that many government schools in the state lack teachers for crucial subjects like mathematics and physics. He also claimed that 270 schools lack drinking water. He stated that 826 primary schools have been closed in Uttarakhand in the last five years, while teacher vacancies remain unfilled. He said that instead of simply presenting statistics, the government should publicly release a clear report detailing the state of the closed schools, their causes, and the impact on children. CJP Demands Answers on Closure of 826 Government Schools Shrestha Singh announced that if the government does not provide an explanation for the closed schools, Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat’s resignation may be demanded within 10 days. He said a complete report should be released on the 826 closed government schools. He demanded that school-wise enrollment, teacher numbers, facilities, reasons for closure, population surrounding the school, and distance to the nearest alternative school be made public. Furthermore, the CJP demanded the release of the Uttarakhand Education Road Map within 10 days, detailing district-wise deadlines for providing teachers, drinking water, toilets, safe buildings, electricity, and other basic amenities. The CJP also demanded that students in government schools be provided with basic transportation facilities, especially in hilly and inaccessible areas, such as safe school buses, minibuses, or other regular transportation arrangements. The Cockroach Janata Party has made it clear that if a response is not received within 10 days, they will resort to peaceful protests.
CM Dhami Celebrates Birthday with Special Children at Dehradun Institute..
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, September 16th, by visiting the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Dehradun. During the ceremony, CM Dhami cut a cake with the children and spent time with them. The children sang a birthday song for CM Dhami, which CM Dhami appeared emotional. Afterward, CM Dhami interacted with the children and spent time with them. The children were also excited and happy to have the Chief Minister among them. On this occasion, Chief Minister Dhami said that spending time with children gives life new energy and inspiration. Every child has immense talent and potential. They should be given the opportunity, encouragement, and confidence to thrive. He emphasized that empowering persons with disabilities is not limited to government efforts alone, but is also a collective responsibility of society. With strong willpower, self-confidence, and persistent efforts, every challenge in life can be overcome. The Chief Minister encouraged the children to move forward towards their goals with full confidence and enthusiasm and wished them a bright future. CM Dhami said that every morning when a person wakes up after sleeping, it is like being born again because they enter a new day. Therefore, on this birth anniversary, he strives to visit the children and spend some time with them and interact with them. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done a lot of work and made plans to advance the children of NIBH. He also said that efforts are being made to empower all these disabled children in every way.
Rishikesh : Bapugram Locals Threaten Assembly Election Boycott Over Forest Land Dispute…
The anger of local residents over the forest land dispute in Bapugram (Rishikesh) has once again intensified. Those who have long been fighting for their land rights and future are now demanding decisive action from the government. Expressing displeasure with the government’s attitude, the Bapugram Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has warned of further intensifying the agitation. The committee stated categorically that if the state government does not make a strong and effective representation in court on behalf of the local residents, thousands of people in the area will be forced to completely boycott the upcoming assembly elections. Claim of a populated area before 1908 At a press conference held at a wedding point in 20 Bigha, committee convener Ramesh Jugalan, while recounting the history of Bapugram, stated that it is not a newly settled area. According to him, Bapugram has been a populated area since before 1908. In 1950, due to the efforts of Meera Behen, the area was given the status of an ideal village. Subsequently, Bapugram was declared a revenue village and later included within the municipal corporation limits. The committee states that despite being involved in the development and administrative system of the region, forest land disputes have posed a serious threat to the homes, livelihoods, and futures of thousands of families living there. 15,000 Families and Approximately 70,000 People Affected According to the committee, land disputes related to Bapugram, Bindukhatta, and Bagga-54 are having a widespread impact. The committee claims that these cases affect approximately 15,000 families and approximately 70,000 people. Local residents say that despite living in the area for a long time and establishing their own homes, the lack of resolution of the land dispute has left them in a state of constant confusion. The committee has demanded that the government strongly present the case in court, considering the plight of the affected families, so that they can find relief regarding their future. Questions also raised about the functioning of the high-level committee During the press conference, committee officials also raised questions about the functioning of the high-level government committee formed during the state government’s cabinet meeting. The committee stated that while the government has formed a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, the affected people have not yet been adequately involved in the process. The committee demanded that the government make public the number of meetings held by the Chief Secretary and the decisions taken in these meetings in the interest of the affected families. It also demanded that committee representatives be included in the committee to establish direct communication with the local people. Demand for a concrete solution, not assurances The Bapugram Bachao Sangharsh Samiti states that the local people are no longer satisfied with mere assurances. They demand a concrete and just solution that will alleviate the crisis looming over their homes, livelihoods, and future. The committee demanded that the government resolve the matter quickly and ensure effective advocacy on behalf of the local residents in court. The committee warned that if the government does not take the matter seriously and make a strong case, the movement will be escalated to a larger scale. A decision to boycott the upcoming assembly elections may also be taken. Following this stance of the committee, the forest land dispute of Bapugram is once again in the headlines and now the eyes of the local people are fixed on the next action of the government.
Congress Workers March to CM Residence in Dehradun Amid Heavy Rain…
Congress workers marched to the CM’s residence in protest against purification drive in Haldwani on September 7th, amid heavy rain. A large number of Congress leaders and workers joined the march to the CM’s residence. Police erected barricades near Hathibarkala to stop the protesters. A scuffle broke out between Congress leaders and police. During the siege of the CM’s residence, in the presence of Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja and other senior leaders, several people joined the Congress party. Those who joined the party included Yashpal Rana, former Mayor of Roorkee, Bhuvnesh Kharkwal, former Chief of Yamkeshwar, Kotdwar, Manoj Saini, former Principal and former Chairman of the Sugarcane Committee, Haridwar, Ramkumar Walia (former Minister of State), Ravindra Anand (former Chairman of the Mandi Committee, Dehradun), and Advocate Sachin Kumar of Purola. State in-charge Kumari Selja joined the March State in-charge Kumari Selja alleged that the BJP government betrayed the sentiments of the people of Uttarakhand. After National President Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally, they made their own people perform purification rituals. The BJP is resorting to all kinds of tactics for the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Harish Rawat observed a one-hour fast at his residence in New Delhi. Harish Rawat has been in New Delhi for the past few months for health reasons. He wrote on social media, “Some unforeseen reasons and invisible forces are repeatedly creating such a situation that I am unable to muster the courage to travel to Uttarakhand. A struggle is underway in Uttarakhand against the forces that patronize untouchability and degrading casteism. To register my participation in this struggle, I will observe a one-hour fast at my Delhi residence on September 7th and pray to God to defeat the forces that perpetuate untouchability and social discrimination.”
Haldwani ‘Purification’ Row Escalates: Congress to March to CM’s Residence on Sept 7..
The controversy that erupted after Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani has now escalated into a political movement. Congress has begun preparations to increase pressure on the government on this issue. As a result, the Congress Party is planning to march to the Chief Minister’s residence in the state capital, Dehradun, on September 7th, 2026. Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi are also expected to participate in this major political protest. The primary reason for this controversy is a large Congress Party public meeting held on August 8th, 2026, at the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, addressed by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. Two days after the rally, on August 10, 2026, individuals associated with some Hindu organizations (allegedly Shri Ram Sena) sprinkled Ganga water on the stage and grounds amid chanting of Vedic mantras and performed a “havan” (sacrifice). Photos and videos of this incident went viral on social media. The Congress party has taken this incident to be extremely serious and has directly labeled it an act of “caste discrimination and untouchability.” Mallikarjun Kharge belongs to the Scheduled Caste (Dalit) community. The Congress alleges that Kharge’s presence alone was the reason for the “purification” of the grounds, reflecting a feudal and casteist mindset. Mallikarjun Kharge himself raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, calling it an act of untouchability and demanding the arrest of the perpetrators. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also strongly criticized the incident, calling it against the Constitution and human values. Meanwhile, the Congress party alleges that the police have not yet filed an FIR against those responsible for the purification incident. Furthermore, the Congress party is demanding the cancellation of the cases filed against Rahul Gandhi. The Congress party will now march to the Chief Minister’s residence on September 7th to protest the purification incident. State Congress leaders have begun preparations to make the march a success. According to party sources, Rahul Gandhi and other national leaders may also participate in the rally. However, the Congress party has not yet formally announced this.State Congress President Ganesh Godiyal stated that party workers from across the state will march to the Chief Minister’s residence on September 7th. The Congress party will continue to fight the purification issue to the last minute. He added that no schedule for Rahul Gandhi’s arrival at the rally has been finalized.
Shilpa Bhatt Honoured with ‘Naari Samman’ by HT Digital Streams Limited for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Dehradun: In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the food and hospitality industry, entrepreneur Shilpa Bhatt, Founder of Pizza Italia, has been honoured with the Naari Samman for Excellence in Entrepreneurship by HT Digital Streams Limited. The award celebrates women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to creating successful businesses while inspiring others through their entrepreneurial journey. Shilpa Bhatt founded Pizza Italia on 9 September 2016 with a vision to offer fresh, high-quality pizzas through a live kitchen concept and a customer-first approach. Over the years, the brand has earned a strong reputation for its quality, innovation, and dedication to delivering an exceptional dining experience. Under her leadership, Pizza Italia has become a recognized name in the food industry. Her journey reflects resilience, consistency, and a passion for excellence, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their business ambitions with confidence. Shilpa Bhatt’s entrepreneurial achievements have also been recognised through several prestigious honours, including the Young Entrepreneur Award, Best Entrepreneurial Journey Award, Best Pizza Outlet Award, Youth Icon Award, and Vocal for Local Award. Receiving the Naari Samman, Shilpa Bhatt expressed her gratitude and dedicated the honour to every entrepreneur who believes in turning dreams into reality through hard work, innovation, and perseverance. She reaffirmed her commitment to continuing Pizza Italia’s journey of excellence while contributing to the growth of India’s food and hospitality sector. The Naari Samman for Excellence in Entrepreneurship by HT Digital Streams Limited stands as another milestone in Shilpa Bhatt’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, recognizing her dedication to building a trusted food brand and encouraging women to lead with vision, determination, and purpose.
Dhami Government Temporarily Suspends Tree Cutting for Bhaniawala-Rishikesh Four/Six-Lane Project After Public Outcry
Significant news is emerging regarding the cutting of 3,000 trees for road widening between Bhaniawala and Rishikesh in Dehradun. The Dhami government has temporarily halted the cutting of 3,000 trees after discussions with the central government. The state government states that the cutting of trees for this project will remain suspended until a satisfactory consensus and trust is established with all stakeholders. Numerous citizens, environmentalists, and local residents have been protesting for the past few days regarding the Dehradun-Rishikesh four-lane/six-lane project, resulting in the government temporarily halting tree cutting. The state government maintains that development is essential, but no decision will be made without regard to public sentiment, the environment, and local interests. To this end, the Principal Secretary and relevant officials have been instructed to re-establish detailed dialogue with all stakeholders, local citizens, public representatives, and experts. Further action will be taken in full respect of the High Court’s directives and decision. Additionally, tree felling under this project will be suspended until a satisfactory consensus and trust is reached with all stakeholders. Last Friday, after his visit to Dehradun for the “Chhatraon Ki Goonj” program, Rahul Gandhi went directly to the protest site, where he met with those protesting the tree felling. He also promised to raise the issue in Parliament.
Congress agreed to shift the “Chhatraon Ki Goonj” event to Bannu School Ground in Dehradun
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to address students at the “Chhatraon Ki Goonj” event on July 17th. The event was scheduled to be held at the Parade Ground in Dehradun, booked by the State Congress Committee for three days, and the committee had already paid the fees. However, three days before the event, on July 14th, the administration cancelled it. During the event, they demanded a new venue for the event, which will now be held at the Bannu School Ground in Dehradun. It is reported that late at night, a truck loaded with supplies was sent from the Parade Ground to Bannu School, leading to a heated altercation between Congress leaders and workers and the police. Following the uproar at the Parade Ground late at night on July 14th, Congress leaders and workers gathered at the Congress state headquarters, where they arrived, having been informed by the police administration. The administration had erected barricades and deployed a large police force before the parade ground. Despite this, Congress workers broke through the barricades and proceeded towards the parade ground, engaging in a heated argument with the police. Upon reaching the parade ground, they entered the ground through a gate, broke the lock, and opened the gate, after which Congress workers created a massive uproar inside the parade ground. Congress State President Ganesh Godiyal, along with Yashpal Arya, Pritam Singh, and Harak Singh Rawat, were also present during the protest. When the administration did not relent, Congress leaders decided after the protest that they would organize Rahul Gandhi’s program at the ground suggested by the administration, and preparations would begin soon. Congress State President Ganesh Godiyal stated that Congress is not averse to this government’s decision. The government has the intention to answer to the court, and transparency is the government’s responsibility. However, the government has been exposed, and therefore, Rahul Gandhi’s rally on July 17th will be historic. He also described the Parade Ground protest as a warning to the government. He urged the government to desist from its actions, warning that their downfall is beginning. He also stated that wherever a youth stands, a line is drawn. Uttarakhand needs change because the BJP government has pushed the state into the abyss. Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya stated that the Parade Ground was completely empty, so permission was sought from the Municipal Corporation for the event, which was granted. However, the 170,000 rupee fee was also deposited. Despite this, the reason for revoking the permission is clear: the government is afraid of Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi is currently organizing the “Chhatraon Ki Goonj” program across the country. This program began in Kota, Rajasthan. Rahul Gandhi wants to expand this organizational campaign across the country. He has also instructed all his front and cell organizations to work with the NSUI to reach out to students at the district level and, under the name of the “Chhatraon Ki Goonj” program, communicate issues such as paper leaks, recruitment scams, expensive education, and shortcomings in the education system. Under this, Rahul Gandhi’s rally is proposed in Dehradun on July 17, which can also be seen as a show of strength before the Uttarakhand Assembly elections 2027.
Rahul Gandhi to Visit Dehradun on July 17 for ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Youth Program on Education and Paper Leaks
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Uttarakhand has been confirmed once again. He will arrive in Dehradun on July 17th. During this visit, he will interact with students and youth at a program organized under the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign. The program aims to discuss issues related to the education system, competitive examinations, and youth. Previously, Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Uttarakhand was scheduled for June 4th and 5th, but he was unable to attend due to bad weather. On June 4th, Rahul Gandhi arrived in Pantnagar, where he was supposed to fly to Almora. However, due to the bad weather, the pilot refused to take off. Following this, Rahul Gandhi shared this information via social media. Many children have committed suicide due to NEET paper leak Meanwhile, Congress state in-charge Kumari Selja said that the paper leak scandal across the country has jeopardized the future of the youth. Many children have committed suicide. The immense damage caused by the paper leak is palpable not only to the children but also to their families and the entire society. In this context, Rahul Gandhi is traveling across the country to raise the voice of the children and Rahul Gandhi is also visiting Uttarakhand on July 17th. In addition, the state’s youth are migrating to other parts of the country for menial jobs. A major question arises: why aren’t youth finding employment in the state itself? Industries established during the Congress regime are also closing down, with no policy in place to prevent this. This is why Rahul Gandhi is visiting Uttarakhand. He will interact with the youth on the evening of July 17th. A program called “Chhatraon Ki Goonj” will be organized for this purpose.
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi flags off litchi exports…
During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Italy, the gesture of gifting ‘Melody’ toffees to Italian Prime Minister Meloni garnered significant headlines, sparking everything from memes to political and cultural discussions on social media. Now, a new culinary bond is forming between India and Italy; for the first time, lychees are being exported from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, to Italy—a major milestone for the state’s horticulture sector. Dehradun’s lychees are renowned for their sweetness, aroma, and quality, commanding high demand both domestically and internationally. However, their limited shelf life has historically made reaching international markets a challenge. Modern packaging techniques and improved cold chain infrastructure have now significantly mitigated this issue. Consequently, approximately 1,000 kg of lychees are being shipped from Dehradun to Delhi, and onward to Italy. Lychees are delicate fruits that begin to spoil within three days, making long-distance transport—whether domestic or international—a difficult task. However, with the assistance of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), preparations have been made to export the fruit safely. Modern packaging technology plays a crucial role here, keeping the lychees fresh and high-quality for extended periods—enabling them to remain safe for consumption for over ten days. Technical expert N.C. Shah notes that modern packaging technology has facilitated the export of lychees to international markets. Previously, their perishability made overseas transport challenging, but new packaging systems and temperature control technologies now allow them to be preserved for longer durations. Maintaining a temperature of approximately 5°C during transit is essential, and the combination of advanced packaging and cold chain logistics has successfully ensured this consistent temperature control. This same technology has previously been used to export lychees from Muzaffarpur (Bihar) to Dubai and from Pathankot (Punjab) to Qatar. The export from Dehradun to Italy is being hailed as a historic moment. Moreover, the distinctive aroma and balanced sweetness of Dehradun litchis rank them among the finest in the country, ensuring a consistently high demand in the market. In the future, opportunities may open up in markets across Europe and other nations, thereby boosting the income of local farmers and strengthening Uttarakhand’s horticultural economy.Ganesh Joshi, the Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, states that this is a matter of pride for the state’s farmers and the horticulture sector, noting that the state government is making continuous efforts to secure global recognition for its agricultural and horticultural produce. This initiative represents more than just the export of a fruit; it symbolizes Uttarakhand’s agricultural potential, the adoption of modern technology, and the ambition to access global markets. If this endeavor proves successful, Dehradun litchis could carve out a distinct identity in the international fruit export trade.