Dehradun – In a press conference held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand Congress President Karan Mahara accused the state government of multiple scams and negligence. He claimed that on February 3, 2025, the Regional Managing Director of the Forest Corporation reinstated the contractor system for timber management, violating a Supreme Court order. He also highlighted that a sand lease in Kotdwar’s Baniyali area was awarded at an unusually low rate of ₹1 per cubic meter. Additionally, a ₹19 lakh scam at Haridwar’s Gate Number 1 and 2 resulted in the suspension of only one person.
Mahara further alleged a ₹1.51 crore scam in Lalkuan with no action taken. He criticized the appointment of Logging Officer Sher Singh, accusing the Forest Corporation of favoritism. Addressing irregularities in the food department, he pointed out the lack of accountability despite raids conducted by the Dehradun District Magistrate. He also claimed that despite ₹430 crore spent on malnutrition schemes, the number of malnourished children had increased.
Raising concerns over the state’s sports management, Mahara alleged that contracts were awarded without tenders, questioning the government’s investigation process. He also demanded clarity on the alleged purchase of medals for lakhs of rupees.
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Regarding past scams, Mahara recalled the COVID-era Class IV employee recruitment scandal involving 428 appointments. Despite the formation of an SIT by the minister, no further action was taken. He also criticized Cooperative Minister Dhan Singh Rawat for mishandling the LUC case, where cooperative funds were allegedly misused, leaving women financially burdened. Mahara urged the minister to clarify who was responsible for the mismanagement.
