NEW DELHI – In a move to strengthen the quasi-judicial framework of India’s top consumer protection body, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the induction of Shashi Nandkeolyar (IFoS: 1986) as a Member of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).
The appointment, finalized on February 2, 2026, follows a rigorous vetting process by the Search-cum-Selection Committee under the Department of Consumer Affairs. Nandkeolyar’s entry into the commission signals a diversifying bench, bringing environmental and rural administrative expertise to the forefront of consumer justice.
A Career of Administrative Excellence
Nandkeolyar, a retired officer of the Jharkhand cadre, is a veteran of the Indian Forest Service with nearly four decades of public service. His background is marked by a blend of conservation leadership and grassroots governance:
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PCCF Jharkhand: Served as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the highest-ranking forest officer in the state.
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Rural Development Specialist: Previously headed the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) in Jharkhand, where he focused on institutionalizing rural welfare.
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Legal and Policy Expertise: His tenure has been defined by a deep engagement with administrative law and public policy, critical for the adjudication of high-stakes consumer disputes.
Strategic Reinforcement of the Bench
Nandkeolyar isn’t joining the commission alone. The ACC also cleared the appointment of Pidaparthi Venkata Rama Sastry (Retd. IPS: 1989), a former Director General of Prisons in Uttar Pradesh. Together, the two officers bring a combined seven decades of experience in law enforcement and public administration to the NCDRC.
Terms of Appointment:
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Tenure: Five years from the date of assuming charge.
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Age Limit: Up to 67 years (whichever is earlier).
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Jurisdiction: Handling original complaints exceeding ₹2 Crore and appellate cases from State Commissions.
NCDRC: The Apex of Consumer Justice
| Feature | Details |
| New Member | Shashi Nandkeolyar (Retd. IFoS) |
| Co-Appointee | P.V. Rama Sastry (Retd. IPS) |
| Selection Authority | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) |
| Role | Adjudication of high-value consumer grievances & unfair trade practices |
As the NCDRC continues to tackle a backlog of complex cases involving insurance, housing, and digital services, the addition of seasoned administrators like Nandkeolyar is expected to streamline the commission’s summary proceedings and ensure “intelligent growth” in consumer rights protection.
