Uttarakhand High Court Directs Chief Secretary to Report on Vacant Positions

The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered the Chief Secretary to compile data on vacant positions across state departments, highlighting concerns over the lack of recruitment despite numerous approved posts. The court criticized the government's reliance on temporary staffing solutions and emphasized the need for regular appointments for qualified youth. With the next hearing set for February 16, the court seeks clarity on why the recruitment process has stalled and why certain positions have been declared inactive. This ruling underscores the urgency for the state to address its recruitment challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 08:42 IST

Court Orders Data Collection on Vacant Positions

The Uttarakhand High Court has instructed the state's Chief Secretary to compile and submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing the approved vacant positions from all departments. This directive was issued by Justice Rakesh Thapliyal during a hearing concerning the lack of recruitment for sanctioned posts across various departments.

Criticizing the recruitment process in government offices, the court noted in its order dated January 9 that multiple petitions revealed the state government has not taken significant steps to initiate the recruitment process despite a considerable number of vacancies.

The court raised concerns, questioning why the government is not filling these approved and available positions. The petitioners argued that the state is attempting to fill vacancies through contract and temporary arrangements, which they deemed entirely unjust.

The petition described this approach as 'exploitative, arbitrary, and irrational,' claiming it violates Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution, as well as the directive principles outlined in Part IV of the Constitution.

Expanding the scope of the petition and considering the youth, the court emphasized that many qualified young individuals are awaiting regular appointments. It pointed out that while vacancies exist, the relevant authorities are not advancing the regular recruitment process, reflecting the state's administrative inaction.

During the proceedings, the court expressed concern that despite a significant number of permanent and sanctioned vacancies in each department, these positions are being filled through contracts, daily wage workers, and ad-hoc staff, which is alarming.

It noted that as time passes, eligible youth exceed the age limit for recruitment. In its order, the court directed the Chief Secretary to gather complete details of the sanctioned vacancies from all departments and clarify why the regular recruitment process has not been initiated despite the availability of permanent, regular, and sanctioned positions. The court also inquired why certain category-four positions have been declared as 'dead cadre.' The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for February 16.