SHILLONG, Jan 31: Retired bureaucrat, Bhalang Dhar took oath as the new Chairperson of the Meghalaya Lokayukta on Monday.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Governor, Satya Pal Malik in the presence of Chief Secretary RV Suchiang, Additional Chief Secretary DP Wahlang and East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo, among others.
Dhar’s appointment comes eight months after former Lokayukta PK Musahary’s tenure ended on May 31 last year.
The warrant of appointment was effected by Governor Satya Pal Malik on January 17 and his appointment was notified by the Home (Political) department on January 27.
It may be recalled that in December last year, the selection committee appointed by the government had recommended the name of the former East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner as the next Lokayukta.
Garo Hills activist
opposes appointment
A social activist from Williamnagar has opposed the recommendation of the Selection Committee to appoint Dhar as the Chairperson of the Meghalaya Lokayukta and sought that the appointment be revoked.
In his complaint to the Governor, Nilbath Ch Marak said Dhar is not eligible to be appointed as the Lokayukta Chairperson as he does not fulfill the required criteria as per the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act.
In support of his demand for revocation, Nilbath quoted a section of the Act that states: “The Lokayukta shall consist of a Chairperson who is or has been the Chief Justice of the High Court or a Judge of the High Court”.
