Shimla: Professor Mamta Mokta and a former IAS officer Rakhil Kahlaon were sworn in as Members of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) on Saturday in a simple ceremony held at the Commission’s Hall here.
The oath of office was administered by HPPSC Chairman Rameshwar Singh Thakur in the presence of the Chief Secretary, senior officers of the Commission, serving government officials, besides family members and relatives of the newly inducted members.
Notably, the oath ceremony of Prof Mamta Mokta came nearly three weeks after the state government issued the appointment notification following clearances from the Governor’s office and the State Commission.
The inordinate delay raised eyebrows in administrative circles, especially as the Commission continued with key recruitment processes during this period.
The delay also brought into sharp focus the underlying political and bureaucratic interplay between the state government and the Raj Bhavan.
The issue gained further significance as the HPPSC went ahead with conducting interviews for the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPPAS) in the third week of December and subsequently declared the results, even as the appointments of new member remained pending.
Professor Mamta Mokta brings with her an impeccable academic and administrative track record.
She has held several key positions at the HP university level, including Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), Chairperson of the Department of Public Administration, and Director, Women’s Studies and many academic achievements to her kitty.
Her long experience in academics and university administration is expected to strengthen the functioning of the constitutional body.
On the other hand, Rakhil Kahlaon, was also sworn in as a member of the Commission.
With decades of experience in public administration, her induction is seen as adding crucial administrative depth to the HPPSC.
With the induction of the two new members, the Commission is expected to reinforce its transparency in recruitment in the state.
