The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the Women Empowerment Department and other concerned authorities to file their responses in a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the non-disbursement of financial assistance under the Nanda Gaura Scheme to girls who cleared their Class 12 examinations.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay posed a pointed query to the authorities, asking why the eligible girls had not been provided the benefits despite the scheme’s mandate.
The PIL, filed by Chamoli resident Mamta Negi, alleged that poor students were being denied access to government welfare schemes. She specifically pointed out that in Chamoli district, 439 girls successfully passed their intermediate examinations during 2022–23 and were entitled to receive ₹51,000 each as an incentive for higher education under the scheme.
According to the petition, schools had completed the necessary formalities in 2023 and submitted the details to the department concerned. Based on this, a demand for ₹2.45 crore was raised with the state government. However, despite repeated requests, the funds have not been released to the beneficiaries, the plea stated.
The court has sought explanations from the Women Empowerment Department and other related agencies regarding the delay in disbursement. The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the state files its replies.
