Uttarakhand govt gives NoC to Sanjeev Chaturvedi for Lokpal post
Uttarakhand, June 18
The Uttarakhand government has granted a no-objection certificate to Sanjeev Chaturvedi, chief conservator of forests and director, Uttarakhand Forestry Training Academy, Haldwani, for central deputation to a Joint Secretary-level post in the Lokpal of India.
According to an official communication issued by Himanshu Khurana, additional secretary, Uttarakhand, on June 13, the state government has conveyed its consent to Chaturvedi's candidature for the post advertised by the Lokpal institution.
The letter, addressed to the Under Secretary (Establishment), Lokpal of India, was issued in continuation of a communication dated April 27, 2026, from the Lokpal seeking the state government's response regarding Chaturvedi's application.
The approval was granted on the recommendation of the principal chief conservator of forests (Head of Forest Force), Uttarakhand, who had forwarded the original application and supporting documents submitted by Chaturvedi on May 18, 2026.
"In continuation of your letter, dated April 27, 2026, I am directed to say that the state government's no objection/consent is given to the application submitted by Sanjiv Chaturvedi for central deputation to the post of Joint Secretary level in the Institution of Lokpal of India," the letter stated.
The state government has requested the Lokpal authorities to take necessary action on the application in accordance with the prescribed rules.
Chaturvedi, a 2002-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is currently serving as chief conservator of forests and director, Uttarakhand Forestry Training Academy, Haldwani.
His application will now be considered further by the Lokpal authorities as part of the recruitment process for the Joint Secretary-level position. Chaturvedi was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2015.
In 2015, Chaturvedi was shifted from Haryana to Uttarakhand on his request after he cited harassment for uncovering a large number of corruption cases.
As Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) at AIIMS (June 2012-August 2014), Chaturvedi had unearthed financial irregularities and exposed widespread corruption, prompting roughly 200 corruption investigations.
He initially posted in Haryana, Chaturvedi gained prominence for exposing illegal tree-felling, poaching, and financial irregularities in plantation schemes. Despite the tremendous political pressure, he received support from high places, including six interventions by Presidents Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee that protected his service. He also made efforts in protecting rare Himalayan biodiversity and using AI to study climate change impacts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's encouraging to see a whistleblower being given such an important posting. The fact that he survived multiple transfers and threats shows his integrity. But I wonder if the system will actually let him function independently at Lokpal - let's be realistic about the challenges he'll face.
Bahut accha hai! Uttarakhand government did the right thing by giving NoC. We need more officers like Sanjeev Chaturvedi who aren't afraid of anyone. His work on protecting Himalayan biodiversity and using AI for climate change is also commendable. Proud of our forest officers! 🌲🌄
Interesting move. Chaturvedi has an impressive track record - 200 corruption cases from AIIMS alone, and support from two Presidents. But let's not forget he was shifted to Uttarakhand due to harassment. Will the same forces try to block him again? The real test is yet to come.
Finally some good governance! But I'm slightly skeptical - the government took over a year to process this (from April 2026 to June 2026). Why the delay? Still, happy to see a Ramon Magsaysay awardee getting his due. India needs more officers like him who put nation before self. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
This is wonderful news! Sanjeev Chaturvedi's story is so inspiring - from facing harassment in Haryana to now being considered for Lokpal. The fact that Presidents intervened six times to protect him shows how high the corruption goes. I just hope the government doesn't backtrack now. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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