On Monday, retired judge Nino Iralu was officially sworn in as the new Lokayukta of Nagaland, becoming the third person to assume this significant anti-corruption post in the state. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted at the conference hall of the civil secretariat in Kohima in the presence of senior government officials, Lokayukta staff, and members of Iralu's family. Chief Secretary J Alam administered the oath of office, while Home Commissioner Anoop Khinchi initiated the official proceedings.

Nino Iralu, who previously served as a district and sessions judge, was appointed to the Lokayukta post by the Governor of Nagaland. Her appointment followed the recommendation of the Selection Committee constituted under the Nagaland Lokayukta Act, 2017. The committee is responsible for vetting and recommending candidates to ensure transparency and integrity in the appointment process for such a crucial position. Iralu brings years of experience in the judicial field, which is expected to contribute meaningfully to the Lokayukta’s role in combating corruption and promoting accountability in public offices across Nagaland.

She succeeds Banuo Z Jamir, who was appointed as Lokayukta in December 2022. Jamir’s appointment followed a prolonged vacancy in the post created by the resignation of the first Lokayukta of Nagaland, Justice Uma Nath Singh, who stepped down in February 2021. The resignation of Justice Singh created a significant leadership gap in the state's anti-corruption framework, which remained unfilled for a considerable period.

During the interim between Justice Singh's resignation and Jamir's appointment, Upa-Lokayukta (Deputy Lokayukta) Mayang Lima took on the responsibilities of the Lokayukta’s office. Lima ensured continuity of operations and maintained the institution’s functioning during the transitional period. His temporary leadership helped in preserving the momentum of the Lokayukta institution in addressing complaints of corruption and maladministration in the state.

With the appointment of Nino Iralu, the state has once again filled this vital role. Her swearing-in represents a renewed focus on good governance, integrity in public service, and the strengthening of accountability mechanisms. As Lokayukta, Iralu will be responsible for investigating allegations of corruption against public functionaries and recommending appropriate actions, thereby upholding the principles of justice and transparency.

The significance of the Lokayukta office in Nagaland lies in its ability to function as an independent statutory authority to address corruption at various levels of government. It is tasked with probing complaints against ministers, legislators, government officials, and other public servants. Given the complexities of governance and public expectations for accountability, the Lokayukta plays a critical role in safeguarding ethical conduct in public administration.

Nino Iralu’s appointment is viewed as a positive step towards strengthening institutional mechanisms against corruption in Nagaland. Her experience in the judiciary, combined with the powers vested in her office by the Lokayukta Act, will be instrumental in upholding the public’s trust in the state’s justice and governance systems. The state government and citizens alike look forward to her tenure in reinforcing the core values of transparency, fairness, and accountability.