CJP Issues 10-Day Ultimatum to Dhami Govt Over Closure of 826 Schools, Threatens Protest & Minister’s Resignation..
The 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. 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. 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.
Nationwide ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ Illuminates India on PM Modi’s 76th Birthday; 2,100 Lamps Light Yamuna Banks…
On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s 76th birthday (September 17, 2026), a grand festival of lights was organized on the banks of the Yamuna in Haripur Kalsi, Vikasnagar (Dehradun), Uttarakhand, as part of the nationwide “Aashirwad Ka Diya” campaign. On this auspicious occasion, a total of 2,100 earthen lamps were lit on the banks of the Yamuna River, illuminating the entire river. During this festival of lights, the crowds prayed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good health, long life, and the nation’s prosperity. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also visited Haripur Kalsi and presented significant gifts of spiritual and cultural development to the region. On this occasion, CM Dhami organized the “Aashirwad Ka Diya” program along with the Yamuna Aarti on the sacred banks of the Yamuna River. He also performed a grand aarti of the Yamuna River along with saints and a large number of devotees present there. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Harighat and unveiled a magnificent statue of Yamuna. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Kalsi is a land of history, faith, and rich cultural traditions. Events like the unveiling of the statue of Mother Yamuna, the inauguration of Harighat, and the Yamuna Aarti will further strengthen the region’s spiritual identity. The laying of the foundation stone of the Mother Yamuna Krishna Temple is also an important step towards Kalsi’s religious and cultural development. In addition to the Yamuna banks, several other historical and religious sites across the country were illuminated under the “Aashirwad Ka Diya” program to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday. A historic 2.5 million earthen lamps were lit from the famous Ramghat of the Shipra River to Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, illuminating the entire city. A total of 8.8 million diyas were lit in the Prime Minister’s home state of Gujarat, including over 1 million in Surat alone. In addition, 76 large diyas were lit at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi, the national capital, and a special prayer and festival of lights was organized at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah. Nearly 1.1 million diyas were lit in Bihar, with over 1.5 million in Patna alone. The “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026” was organized across the country to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday and his 25 years in public life. This campaign is considered a special one because Narendra Modi was first sworn in as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. Since then, he has been completing 25 consecutive years of service to the nation in the highest public office (as Chief Minister and Prime Minister). This campaign is being run through public service in various parts of the country for a full month, from September 17 to October 17.
Bapugram Land Dispute : Residents Warn of Assembly Election Boycott if Govt Fails to Act…
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 to March to Uttarakhand CM’s Residence on Sept 7 Over ‘Purification’ of Kharge Rally Stage…
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.
India-Nepal 14th Joint Working Group Meeting Begins in Dehradun to Address Border Disputes, Security & Trade…
The 14th Joint Working Group meeting between Indian and Nepali officials began today in Dehradun. Four rounds of meetings will be held over the two-day period, August 20th and 21st. The first round of meetings began today, August 20th. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ITBP, the SSB, and the Survey of India participated in the meeting. It should be noted that last year, a meeting between Indian and Nepali officials was held in Pokhara, Nepal. Following this, the two-day 14th Joint Working Group meeting was held in Dehradun on August 20th and 21st. The first session of the crucial meeting will discuss issues such as border disputes, border management, and strengthening trade relations. It should be noted that the study of old records and maps related to border demarcation will be a key part of the meeting. The British-era axes of the Survey of India will be reviewed. The aim is to arrive at a clear conclusion on the disputed area by matching these historical documents with current ground conditions. This two-day meeting will focus on resolving border disputes using historical landmarks and criminal infiltration along the border. This high-level meeting will also discuss security measures along the porous border between the two countries, measures to prevent smuggling and criminal activities, and resolution of border disputes. Nepal’s concerns and concerns regarding India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass will also be discussed. The Indian delegation at this important meeting is led by Ms. Pausumi Basu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, while the Nepali delegation is led by Anand Kafle, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. Officials from both countries arrived at the hotel on Mussoorie Road for this meeting on Wednesday night, August 19th. Prior to the meeting in Dehradun, at the coordination conference between India and Nepal in Lucknow on August 14th, 2026, the survey departments of both countries agreed to use modern technology to assess the actual conditions of land, agriculture, and construction along the border. The proposed survey included joint analysis of drone-based aerial imagery and ground-based data.
Assembly Elections 2027: Top leaders from the Congress and AAP may visit Uttarakhand in September…
To strengthen the organization ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, senior leaders from the Congress and AAP parties may visit Uttarakhand. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi may address the public in Garhwal or Kumaon in September. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi may also visit Uttarakhand once again. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu is also scheduled to visit Uttarakhand. The Congress party says that senior central-level leaders have taken the upcoming Uttarakhand Assembly elections very seriously. State party president Ganesh Godiyal stated that when All India Congress Committee National President Mallikarjun Kharke met with Uttarakhand Congress leaders, he stated that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharke himself would be making several visits to the state. Consequently, the Uttarakhand Congress is planning a visit by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to Uttarakhand in September. The Congress party will finalize the venue and date after consulting with all these leaders. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh may visit Dehradun. According to Ganesh Godiyal, the Himachal government has implemented the OPS, so the Uttarakhand Congress also wants Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh to come to Dehradun and attend the press conference to convey to the people of the state that the same work we did in Himachal will be done in Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, in view of the upcoming assembly elections in the state, the Aam Aadmi Party is preparing to invite its central leaders to Uttarakhand. AAP’s state executive president, Uma Sisodia, stated that discussions are underway with the party’s high command regarding the party’s central leaders’ visit to Uttarakhand. The party’s state in-charge’s visit is scheduled for August 23rd. Following the in-charge’s visit, every effort is being made to invite former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh to Uttarakhand. Uma Sisodia stated that she is hopeful that this effort will be successful very soon.
ESMA implemented in Uttarakhand, strikes prohibited for six months..
Big news is coming from Uttarakhand. The Uttarakhand government has implemented the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) across the state, under which any strike will be banned for the next six months. Personnel Secretary Shailesh Bagauli has issued orders regarding this. Protesters demanded an immediate halt to recruitment process This decision was taken in view of the ongoing protests by employee organizations. Due to this being an election year, employee organizations are preparing for a protest. Employees are pressuring the government to implement the old SP system before the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission. Immediately after the government implemented the ESMA in the state, Congress and D.El.Ed. trained candidates protested outside the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission program due to allegations of rigging in the secondary assistant teacher recruitment. The protesters locked the commission’s gate and demanded an immediate halt to the recruitment process. The commission took action and postponed document verification for the remaining posts. During the protest last Thursday, Congress state vice-president Suryakant Dhamana also reached the protest site and raised slogans in support of the protest activities. After this, angry people locked the gate of the commission.
India-China Border Trade Resumes After 6 Years: First Traders Cross Empty-Handed on August 1st
Big news is emerging regarding India-China trade. After six years, there is hope for the resumption of trade across the border between India and China, but the start for Indian traders is likely to be marked by disappointment and uncertainty. On August 1st, the first group of traders will depart for Taklakot Mandi in Tibet (China). However, they have not been permitted to carry any merchandise with them, so they will cross the border empty-handed. It should be noted that border trade had been halted since 2019 due to the closure of the Lipulekh Pass. Traders were excited by the prospect of resumption of border trade in June. In June, they had even prepared provisions for trade. In June, many traders reached Ganji with their goods, but after being denied permission to cross the border by the Chinese administration, they were forced to return to Dharchula, leaving goods worth lakhs of rupees behind. Permission granted to visit the Takla Kot Mandi for the first batch The Chinese administration has now granted permission to visit the Takla Kot Mandi for the first batch. This group includes only those traders whose goods from the previous trade period are still stored in the warehouse at the Takla Kot Mandi. The India-China Border Trade Committee stated that this time, only those traders whose goods are already stored in the warehouse have been granted permission to trade. This time, traders are only permitted to travel; no traders are allowed to transport goods. It should be noted that the first batch of traders will depart for the Takla Kot Mandi on August 1st. This first batch includes traders and their assistants. This group will arrive at the Takla Kot Mandi and assess the market’s arrangements, the condition of shops, and the Chinese administration’s stance. Traders believe that the first batch’s visit and discussions with Chinese officials will clarify when and in what form the regular market will resume. Two crucial months of trade at the India-China border have passed. If permission is granted after the first week of August, Indian traders will have limited time for business.Send feedback
Uttarakhand Unemployed March to Secretariat, Stage Sit-in Over Delayed Job Recruitments..
Under the banner of the Uttarakhand Unemployed Association, a large number of unemployed people marched to the Secretariat on Tuesday, July 21st, to press their various demands. Police, already present on Subhash Road, barricaded the protesters before the Secretariat. Angered, the unemployed sat on a sit-in protest on the road and began a vigorous demonstration to press their demands. During this protest, they demanded the immediate release of AE and JEE recruitment notifications by the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, the early commencement of the pending recruitment process, the release of 1,500 recruitment notifications for the Uttarakhand Police, and the immediate initiation of the recruitment process for 400 Uttarakhand women police constable posts. Government had promised to release 60,000 vacancies to the unemployed The unemployed initially gathered at the Parade Ground and then marched on foot towards the Secretariat, where they were stopped by the police. Ram Kandwal, State President of the Unemployed Association, stated that both the central and state governments are deceiving the youth. He stated that the government had promised to release 60,000 vacancies to the unemployed, but this promise has not yet been fulfilled. Kandwal stated that while youth from other states are being brought here and offered jobs, the youth of the state are struggling to find employment. Kandwal stated that if the government had issued a notification for recruitment, the unemployed would not have been forced to take to the streets and protest. The Unemployed Association also strongly condemned the lathi charge against youth in Delhi yesterday. The youth participating in the protest stated that they have been preparing for competitive exams for years, but the constant delays in recruitment and the lack of notifications have left their future uncertain. They stated that completing the recruitment process on time would not only provide employment to unemployed youth but also fill vacant positions in various government departments. The youth warned that if the government does not take a positive decision on their demands soon, the movement will expand further.
Uttarakhand Govt Halts Felling of 3,000 Trees for Dehradun-Rishikesh Road Project Amid Protests
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.