ACC Appoints IDAS Officer Sonal Mehlawat as Director in Lokpal Under Central Staffing Scheme
New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ms. Sonal Mehlawat (IDAS:2011) as Director in the Lokpal, under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), on central deputation.
The appointment has been notified through an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Appointed as Director in Lokpal
According to the DoPT order, Sonal Mehlawat has been appointed as Director in the Lokpal, Delhi, under the Department of Personnel and Training.
She has been selected for the post after being recommended for Central deputation by the Department of Defence.
Her appointment will be for a period of five years from the date she assumes charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Defence Department Asked to Relieve Officer
The DoPT has requested the Department of Defence to relieve Sonal Mehlawat immediately so that she can take charge of her new assignment at the Lokpal without delay.
The Department of Personnel and Training has also been requested to issue the formal appointment notification and forward a copy once it is released.
Joining Within Three Weeks Mandatory
The appointment order reiterates the provisions of the Central Staffing Scheme regarding the timeline for joining.
As per the DoPT Circular dated August 17, 2005, officers appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme are required to assume charge within three weeks from the date of issuance of the appointment order.
Failure to join within the stipulated period may result in the initiation of debarment proceedings under the Central Staffing Scheme.
About the Lokpal
The Lokpal is India’s apex statutory anti-corruption institution established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. It is empowered to inquire into allegations of corruption against public servants, including senior government functionaries, with the objective of promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in public administration.
As Director, Sonal Mehlawat will be associated with the administrative and institutional functioning of the Lokpal, supporting its mandate of strengthening accountability and ensuring efficient handling of matters entrusted to the anti-corruption body.
Her appointment is part of the Centre’s continuing efforts to strengthen key constitutional and statutory institutions by deploying experienced officers from various Central Civil Services through the Central Staffing Scheme
