Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 5 Nov: A 13-member delegation of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee led by PCC Chief Ganesh Godiyal today met the Governor and submitted a memorandum to him. The leaders on this occasion alleged that the state government is disposing of valuable government land and public assets at throwaway prices. The delegation demanded cancellation of all the decisions related to the transfer, lease or monetisation of government properties and sought restoration of such assets to their parent departments.
In the memorandum, the Congress also alleged that powers relating to government land had effectively been centralised with the Chief Minister through a Cabinet decision taken in December 2022. The party claimed this is contrary to the principle of collective responsibility and existing rules of government business. It further alleged that subsequent decisions relating to the transfer and monetisation of public land has been taken without following due procedures and statutory provisions.
The delegation specifically raised the issue of the George Everest Estate in Mussoorie, alleging that the 142-acre property and heritage assets had been leased to a private company at rates far below market value. Congress leaders claimed that the process raises serious constitutional and administrative questions and demanded an independent inquiry under the supervision of the High Court.
The party also alleged violations of provisions of the Uttarakhand Infrastructure and Industrial Development Board (UIIDB) Act, 2023, claiming that several government lands and properties have been transferred to the board without mandatory approvals from the concerned departments and ministers. It further alleged that decisions concerning properties at Patwadangar, IDPL Rishikesh, Dakpathar, Ramgarh, HMT Ranibagh, Patkot-Marchula, Salempur Mahmood and Majri Grant were taken in violation of established procedures.
Congress leaders also questioned the transfer of certain properties without complete revenue records, measurements or ownership verification. They claimed that some properties with heritage, religious or forest significance have been included in the monetisation process despite restrictions in government orders and existing laws. The delegation further alleged that around 40 government properties spread across 12 districts were being monetised without proper valuation and demanded immediate cancellation of related tenders and transactions.
Apart from issues related to land and public assets, the delegation urged the Governor to ensure compliance with court directions in the disproportionate assets case involving Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi. It also sought an independent investigation into appointments allegedly made in the Cooperation Department during the Covid-19 period and demanded a time-bound probe into allegations of MBBS admissions secured on the basis of forged documents.
The Congress warned that, if the decisions are not withdrawn and the properties are not returned to their original departments within 10 days, the party would be compelled to approach the High Court to protect what it described as the public assets of Uttarakhand.
The delegation included PCC Chief Ganesh Godiyal, Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Election Campaign Committee chairman Pritam Singh, Election Management Committee chairman Harak Singh Rawat, MLAs Madan Bisht and Furqan Ahmad, former MLA Manoj Rawat, Congress leaders C.P. Singh, Rajiv Maharshi, Rajendra Shah, Jyoti Rautela, Surendra Singh Rangad and Rajesh Chamoli, among others.
