Ashish Kundra Takes Charge as Ladakh Chief Secretary | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Senior IAS officer Ashish Kundra on Thursday took charge as the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, with the administration saying he has reaffirmed his commitment to effective governance, transparent administration and inclusive development across the Union territory.

A 1996-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, Kundra succeeds Pawan Kotwal, who retired from service on Wednesday, according to an official statement.

After assuming office, Kundra said the administration would focus on strengthening institutional mechanisms, improving service delivery and ensuring the timely implementation of developmental programmes. Addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh would remain a key priority, he said.

The government said Kundra emphasised the need for an accessible administration that reaches all parts of the Union territory, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”.

The Chief Secretary also highlighted the importance of meeting the economic aspirations of Ladakh’s youth and unlocking the region’s economic potential. “Ladakh has a civilisational history and has always been emblematic of peace. This must always be treasured and preserved,” he said.

Referring to the region’s fragile ecology, Kundra underlined that Ladakh’s development model must be rooted in sustainability and climate sensitivity. He said the Union territory must avoid reckless construction in the name of development and ensure that growth addresses concerns related to climate change.

Administrative secretaries and senior officials welcomed Kundra and expressed confidence that his administrative experience and leadership would help strengthen governance and accelerate Ladakh’s overall development, the statement said.

Earlier, a ceremonial guard of honour was accorded to Kundra at the Union Territory Secretariat in Leh after he formally assumed charge as Chief Secretary.