LEH: Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday took oath as the 4th Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh at a ceremony held at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Arun Palli. Earlier, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India, after which Saxena signed the charge certificate.
Saxena succeeds Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Following the swearing-in ceremony, he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Ladakh Police.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Saxena expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving the people of Ladakh. Describing Ladakh as the “crown of India,” he said he would work in accordance with the aspirations and needs of the people.
Highlighting his priorities, Saxena said he plans to visit villages and remote areas across Ladakh to understand grassroots issues and identify practical solutions. He also noted the region’s immense tourism potential and said efforts would be made to transform Ladakh into one of the most beautiful and sought-after tourist destinations in the country and the world.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of sustainable and environmentally responsible development, noting the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh. He highlighted the need for plantation drives, afforestation initiatives and the development of water bodies, along with improvements in urban infrastructure such as cleanliness and sewage treatment facilities.
Saxena reiterated that, as entrusted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he would ensure the people of Ladakh are never disappointed and would work in close coordination with them to build a developed and progressive Union Territory.
Among those present at the ceremony were Chief Executive Councillor Mohd Jaffer Akhoon of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa Jan, spiritual leader Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of XIV Corps, Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, and former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal.
Also present were Principal District and Sessions Judge Leh Spalzes Angmo, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP Leh Shree Raam, along with administrative secretaries, executive councillors, representatives from political, religious and civil society organisations, senior officials and officers from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Ladakh Police.
