(1) There all be such officers and employees, as may be prescribed, to assist the Lok Ayukta and the Upa-Lok Ayuktas in the discharge of their functions under this Act.

(2) The categories of officers and employees referred to in sub-section (1) and their appointment and other conditions of service including such special conditions, as may be necessary, for enabling them to act without fear in the discharge of their functions, shall be such, as may be prescribed, in consultation with the Lok Ayukta.

(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Lok Ayukta or an Upa-Lok Ayukta may, for the purpose of conducting investigations under this Act, utilise the services of, -

(a) any officer or investigation agency of the State Government; or

(b) any officer or investigation agency of the Central Government, with the prior concurrence of the Government; or

(c) any other agency.

(4) The officers and other employees referred to in sub-section (1) shall be under the administrative and disciplinary control of the Lok Ayukta:

Provided that when the Lok Ayukta is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence, illness or any other cause, the senior among the Upa-Lok Ayuktas may discharge the functions of the Lok Ayukta under this sub-section.