LEH: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday attended the valedictory function and passing-out parade of newly trained police personnel at the Police Training School, Stongsar, marking the induction of 114 Special Police Officers (SPOs) into the Ladakh Police and the professional advancement of 99 serving personnel.
The newly recruited SPOs will be deployed in the newly created districts of Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Drass and Zanskar, strengthening police presence in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The passing-out ceremony also marked the completion of pre-promotional courses by 99 personnel, including eight Sub-Inspectors for promotion to Inspectors, nine Assistant Sub-Inspectors for promotion to Sub-Inspectors, 77 Head Constables for promotion to Assistant Sub-Inspectors and five Police Followers for induction as Constables.
Inspecting the ceremonial parade and taking the salute of the marching contingents, the Lieutenant Governor presented awards to the Overall Best, Indoor Best, Outdoor Best and Best Marchman among the trainees and serving personnel. The Chief Drill Inspector was also felicitated for his contribution to the training programme.
Highlighting the unique challenges faced by the Ladakh Police, Saxena said policing in the Union Territory involves operating across vast geographical areas, high-altitude locations, difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and dispersed settlements. He stressed that professional advancement must bring greater responsibility, leadership and accountability.
The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated 24 two-BHK police family quarters, constructed at a cost of ₹11.04 crore, to improve accommodation and welfare facilities for eligible personnel from the rank of Follower to Head Constable. The quarters have been designed keeping Ladakh’s harsh climatic conditions in view.
In a major push to strengthen emergency response services, Saxena launched the official Emblem, Flag, Logo and shoulder, cap and belt badges of the Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service. He also e-inaugurated its official website, which will provide citizens with access to Fire NOC services, fire-safety guidelines, advisories, forms, rules and regulations, emergency contacts and information on fire stations.
A Comprehensive Fire Safety Handbook for Ladakh was also released. The handbook covers fire prevention, safety measures, emergency response, evacuation, rescue operations and public awareness, and is intended as a practical reference for citizens, commercial establishments, institutions and offices.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the importance of legal knowledge, investigation skills, technology, discipline, integrity and professional conduct in modern policing. He expressed confidence that the induction of new personnel, professional advancement of serving staff and measures to strengthen police welfare and Fire & Rescue Services would make Ladakh’s security and emergency-response systems more modern, responsive and people-centric.
