Lt Gen Gajendra Joshi Appointed Chairman of Uttarakhand Public Service Commission After Three-Year Vacancy
Dehradun: In a significant administrative decision, the Uttarakhand government has appointed Lt Gen Gajendra Joshi as the new Chairman of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission. Alongside him, Dr Hemchandra Pandey has been appointed as a member of the commission. Official orders regarding both appointments were issued on Tuesday.
The appointment ends a prolonged period of uncertainty at the commission, where the post of permanent chairman had remained vacant since June 2023. The absence of a regular chairman had raised concerns over delays in recruitment processes and the commission’s inability to take several key policy and administrative decisions related to state-level examinations and appointments.
The issue had drawn considerable public attention, as the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission is responsible for conducting some of the state’s most important recruitment examinations. Over the years, vacancies in the posts of chairman and members had gradually increased, adversely affecting the functioning of the constitutional body.
Lt Gen Gajendra Joshi, a native of Latoli, served the Indian Army with distinction for more than 38 years before retiring on April 30, 2026. During his illustrious military career, he held several prestigious appointments, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the renowned Strike-1 Corps and Commandant of the Infantry School at Mhow.
He played a key role in major military operations, including Operation Pawan, Operation Rakshak, and multiple counter-insurgency missions in the North-East. In recognition of his exemplary leadership and service, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Sena Medal.
The chairman’s post at the commission fell vacant after former chairman Dr Rakesh Kumar resigned on June 11, 2023. Subsequently, senior members Dr Jagmohan Singh Rana, Ravindra Datt Godiyal, and most recently Anil Kumar Rana served as acting chairmen.
Officials believe that the appointment of a full-time chairman and a new member will help restore administrative stability and accelerate pending recruitment and examination-related processes across the state
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