Search Committee Formed for Appointment of Lokayukta Chairperson and Members in Uttarakhand
In a significant step towards strengthening the anti-corruption and grievance redressal mechanism in the state, the Government of Uttarakhand has constituted a Search Committee to identify suitable candidates for the posts of Chairperson and Members of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta. The information was shared by Shri Shailesh Bagauli, Secretary, Personnel and Vigilance, Government of Uttarakhand.
Background
The decision to form the Search Committee was taken on the basis of deliberations held during a meeting of the 5-member Selection Committee on June 4, 2026, convened under the provisions of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014. The constitution of the Search Committee has been carried out in accordance with the recommendation made under Section 4(3) of the said Act, which empowers the Selection Committee to set up a Search Committee to assist in identifying eligible and suitable individuals for the Lokayukta’s top positions.
Role and Responsibility of the Search Committee
The primary mandate of the Search Committee is to prepare a panel of names of suitable persons for the posts of Chairperson and Members of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta and submit the same to the Selection Committee. The Search Committee will carry out its functions strictly in accordance with the procedure laid down under Section 4(4) of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014, and will subsequently present its recommendations to the Chairperson of the Selection Committee for further consideration and final appointment.
Composition of the Search Committee
The Search Committee comprises five distinguished members drawn from the judiciary, civil services, and academia:
Name
Designation / Background
Role in Committee
Justice (Retd.) Shri Alok Verma
Former Judge, High Court of Nainital
Chairperson
Shri Indu Kumar Pandey
Retired Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand
Member
Shri Subhash Kumar
Retired Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand
Member
Smt. Radha Raturi
Retired Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand
Member
Prof. Surekha Dangwal
Vice Chancellor, Doon University, Dehradun
Member
The committee reflects a balanced representation of legal expertise, senior administrative experience, and academic leadership, ensuring a thorough and impartial selection process.
About the Uttarakhand Lokayukta
The Uttarakhand Lokayukta is a statutory body established under the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014 to inquire into allegations of corruption, misconduct, and maladministration against public servants, including ministers and government officials. A fully functional and duly constituted Lokayukta is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state.
The constitution of this Search Committee marks a renewed commitment by the Uttarakhand government towards filling the top positions of this crucial institution, reinforcing public trust in the state’s accountability framework.
Significance
The formation of the Search Committee is being viewed as a positive and decisive step by the state administration. With eminent personalities from the legal and administrative domain at its helm, the committee is expected to identify individuals of the highest integrity, judicial or administrative competence, and public credibility for the Lokayukta’s leadership. The move is likely to strengthen anti-corruption oversight in Uttarakhand and uphold the principles of rule of law and democratic accountability.