Dehradun: In a significant development, the Uttarakhand government has granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the central deputation of Magsaysay Award-winning 2002 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer from Uttarakhand cadre, Mr Sanjiv Chaturvedi to the post of Joint Secretary in the Lokpal of India. The approval clears a major administrative hurdle and brings the noted anti-corruption officer a step closer to joining the country’s apex anti-corruption ombudsman.
Chaturvedi, who is currently serving as Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of the Uttarakhand Forestry Training Academy in Haldwani, has earned national recognition for exposing corruption and administrative irregularities during his career in public service.
Uttarakhand Government Communicates Consent
The state government’s consent was formally communicated through an official letter dated June 13, 2026, issued by Additional Secretary Himanshu Khurana. The communication was addressed to the Under Secretary (Establishment) in the Lokpal of India.
The letter stated that the Uttarakhand government had no objection to the application submitted by Sanjiv Chaturvedi for central deputation to a Joint Secretary-level position in the Lokpal institution.
The approval came in response to a request from the Lokpal of India, which had sought the state government’s comments and consent regarding Chaturvedi’s candidature through a letter dated April 27, 2026.
Forest Department Recommendation Led to Approval
Before issuing the NOC, the Uttarakhand government received a recommendation from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand.
The recommendation, sent on May 18, 2026, included Chaturvedi’s application along with the required supporting documents for consideration. Following examination of the proposal, the state government formally conveyed its approval and requested Lokpal authorities to take necessary action in accordance with the applicable recruitment rules.
With the NOC now in place, Chaturvedi’s candidature will be evaluated as part of the ongoing selection process for the Joint Secretary-level position.
Key Hurdle Removed in Lokpal Recruitment Process
Officials indicated that the state government’s approval removes one of the most important procedural requirements for Chaturvedi’s appointment to the Centre’s anti-corruption watchdog.
While the NOC does not amount to an appointment, it enables the Lokpal to consider his candidature further under the prescribed recruitment process. If selected, Chaturvedi will join the institution at the Joint Secretary level, a senior administrative position within the Lokpal framework.
A Career Defined by Anti-Corruption Initiatives
Sanjiv Chaturvedi is widely known for his anti-corruption work and his efforts to promote transparency in public administration.
One of the most notable chapters of his career came during his tenure as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Serving in the role from June 2012 for more than two years, Chaturvedi reportedly uncovered widespread irregularities and corruption within the institution.
His investigations led to nearly 200 corruption inquiries, drawing national attention and reinforcing his reputation as a whistleblower committed to accountability in public institutions.
Transfer to Uttarakhand After Alleged Harassment
In 2015, Chaturvedi sought a transfer from the Haryana cadre to Uttarakhand, citing harassment linked to his exposure of corruption cases.
During his service in Haryana, he became known for uncovering alleged instances of illegal tree felling, poaching activities, and financial irregularities in plantation-related schemes. His actions often brought him into conflict with influential interests, making him one of the most discussed officers in the country’s administrative circles.
The transfer to Uttarakhand marked a new phase in his career, where he continued to advocate transparency and institutional accountability.
Landmark RTI Victory in Uttarakhand
More recently, Chaturvedi played a key role in a significant transparency-related case before the Uttarakhand State Information Commission (USIC).
Acting on a plea filed by him, the Commission delivered a landmark ruling in May 2026 aimed at reducing bureaucratic opacity and strengthening citizens’ access to information.
The USIC ruled that details related to corruption cases involving IAS officers could be accessed by citizens under the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The decision was viewed as a major step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in public administration.
What Happens Next?
With the Uttarakhand government’s consent now formally granted, the Lokpal of India will proceed with the next stages of the recruitment process for the Joint Secretary-level post.
Chaturvedi’s application will be assessed alongside other eligible candidates in accordance with the rules governing appointments to the institution.
If selected, the Magsaysay Award-winning officer will bring decades of experience in vigilance, anti-corruption investigations, environmental governance, and transparency initiatives to one of India’s most important accountability institutions.
The development is being closely watched by governance and transparency advocates, many of whom view Chaturvedi’s possible induction into the Lokpal as a significant move in strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms within the country’s administrative framework.
