Dehradun: The long-pending process of appointing the Lokayukta in Uttarakhand has gained momentum. The state government has constituted a five-member search committee to identify suitable candidates for the positions of Lokayukta Chairperson and Members.
According to Shailesh Bagauli, Secretary of the Personnel and Vigilance Department, the committee was formed following recommendations made during a Selection Committee meeting held on June 4, 2026, under Section 4(3) of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014.
Composition of the Search Committee
The committee will be chaired by retired Uttarakhand High Court Judge Justice Alok Verma. Other members include former Chief Secretaries Indu Kumar Pandey, Subhash Kumar, and Radha Raturi, along with Professor Surekha Dangwal, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University.
Role of the Committee
Under Section 4(4) of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014, the committee will identify eligible candidates and prepare a panel of names for consideration by the Selection Committee, which will make the final appointments.
Selection Committee Formed in 2023
Following directions from the Uttarakhand High Court, the Lokayukta Selection Committee was constituted in 2023. It is chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and includes Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri, High Court representative Manoj Kumar, and a legal expert.
Strengthening Transparency and Accountability
The Lokayukta is an independent anti-corruption institution responsible for investigating complaints of corruption, abuse of power, and misconduct involving public representatives and government officials. Experts believe that the formation of the search committee will make the appointment process more transparent and strengthen accountability and governance in the state.
