Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 4: Former Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Sandeep Kashinath Shinde, was on Wednesday sworn in as the new Lokayukta of Goa at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. Pramod Sawant was present on the occasion.

Addressing the media after the oath-taking, the chief minister said the Governor administered the oath of office to the new Lokayukta and extended congratulations on behalf of the state government and the people of Goa.

“The post of Lokayukta had been vacant for many days. From today, Justice Sandeep Shinde will take charge and continue the work of the office. My best wishes to him,” Sawant said.

The position had remained vacant since December 2024 following the completion of the tenure of former Lokayukta Justice Ambadas Joshi.

Welcoming the appointment, Goa Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said the Congress had repeatedly urged the government to fill the vacant post. He expressed hope that the new Lokayukta would address pending anti-corruption matters in the state.

“There are around 20 anti-corruption cases pending which need to reach a logical conclusion. People of Goa have a lot of hope from the Lokayukta regarding the way the government is functioning and the issues that need to be raised,” Alemao said.

He further stressed that the government must ensure adequate financial, administrative and staffing support to the vigilance department and the Lokayukta office so that it functions effectively and not merely as a symbolic institution.