PNS | DEHRADUN
The Uttarakhand High Court has sought clarification from the State government on the process of appointment of the subject expert (water sports) in the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB).
Hearing a quo warranto writ petition filed by Dehradun resident Shakti Singh Bartwal, the division bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Ashish Naithani asked the State government, Tourism secretary and CEO of UTDB to submit their explanations on the issue. According to the petitioner, the UTDB appointed one Bhupendra Singh Pundir as subject expert (water sports) on June 19, 2024. The petition claims that the minimum educational qualification required for this position was a bachelor’s degree, whereas the selected candidate had submitted a diploma certificate with his application which rendered him not eligible for the post. In the hearing, the HC raised questions regarding the educational qualification of the selected candidate. It also remarked that it was beyond understanding how a candidate serving in the military could obtain a bachelor’s degree without attending regular classes.
The court asked the government as to how a person without a bachelor’s degree was appointed to the position and did the selection committee observe transparency in the appointment process. It also asked if other eligible candidates were deliberately excluded from the process.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled on March 5 in which the court has asked Pundir to remain present.
