The Government of Uttarakhand has set up a Lokayukta search committee. Primarily, its task is to find suitable candidates for the Chairperson and Members of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta. Clearly, this is a significant step towards stronger anti-corruption and grievance redressal in the state. Notably, Shri Shailesh Bagauli, Secretary, Personnel and Vigilance, shared this information.
Background of the Lokayukta Search Committee
Earlier, the 5-member Selection Committee met on June 4, 2026, under the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014. Subsequently, based on its discussions, the government decided to form the search committee. Specifically, it followed the recommendation made under Section 4(3) of the Act. In effect, this section empowers the Selection Committee to set up a search committee. In turn, the search committee helps identify eligible people for the Lokayukta’s top posts.
Role and Responsibility
First, the main task of the committee is to prepare a panel of suitable names. Specifically, these names will cover the posts of Chairperson and Members of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta. Then, the committee will submit the panel to the Selection Committee.
Moreover, it will strictly follow the procedure under Section 4(4) of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014. Finally, it will present its recommendations to the Chairperson of the Selection Committee for final appointment.
Composition of the Lokayukta Search Committee
In total, the committee has five distinguished members 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 |
Overall, the committee balances legal expertise, senior administrative experience and academic leadership. Therefore, it should ensure a thorough and impartial selection.
About the Uttarakhand Lokayukta
The Uttarakhand Lokayukta is a statutory body under the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014. Essentially, it inquires into allegations of corruption, misconduct and maladministration against public servants. For example, these include ministers and government officials. Indeed, a fully functional Lokayukta is vital for transparency, accountability and good governance.
Furthermore, this step shows the government’s renewed commitment to fill the top posts of this crucial body. As a result, it should reinforce public trust in the state’s accountability framework.
Significance
- Integrity in leadership: Eminent legal and administrative experts lead the committee. Hence, it is expected to pick people of the highest integrity and public credibility.
- Stronger oversight: Similarly, the move should strengthen anti-corruption oversight in Uttarakhand.
- Rule of law: Finally, it upholds the principles of rule of law and democratic accountability.
Syllabus link: Governance, transparency and accountability; statutory bodies of Uttarakhand. For the central framework, see the Lokpal of India website. Also, revise the list of Governors of Uttarakhand.
Preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.