Saxena takes oath as LG, pledges to reach remote villages of Ladakh

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 at
Choglamsar in Leh.

The oath of office and secrecy was administered to Saxena by the Chief
Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice
Arun Palli. Earlier, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra read out the
warrant of appointment issued by the President of India.

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Saxena succeeds Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union
Territory of Ladakh.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Saxena was accorded a ceremonial
guard of honour by the Ladakh Police.

Interacting with the media after the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor
described Ladakh as the “crown of India”, he assured that he would
work wholeheartedly in accordance with the aspirations and
requirements of the people.

Highlighting his development approach, Saxena stated that he intends
to visit villages and remote areas across Ladakh to understand the
problems faced by people on the ground and identify practical and
sustainable solutions. He noted that Ladakh possesses tremendous
tourism potential and emphasised that one of his key priorities would
be to make Ladakh one of the most beautiful and sought-after tourism
destinations in the country and the world.

The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of sustainable
and environmentally responsible development, noting that Ladakh’s
fragile ecosystem requires careful planning. He spoke about the need
to increase greenery through plantation drives, afforestation
initiatives and the development of water bodies. He also highlighted
the importance of improving urban infrastructure, including
cleanliness and the expansion of sewage treatment facilities.

Reiterating the commitment of the administration towards the welfare
of the people, Saxena said that, as entrusted to him by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, he would ensure that the people of Ladakh are never
disappointed. He added that he would work in close coordination with
the people and seek their cooperation in transforming Ladakh into a
developed and progressive Union Territory. He further stated that he
would make every effort to meet people from different sections of
society and address their concerns.

Saxena brings with him over three decades of extensive experience in
the corporate and social sectors. Prior to this appointment, he served
as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

Among those present at the swearing-in ceremony were Chief Executive
Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament
from Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan; His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche;
DGP Ladakh, Mukesh Singh; GOC 14 Corps Lt General Hitesh Bhalla;
Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Bhikkhu
Sanghasena; senior government officials, law officials and officers
from the Indian Army, ITBP and Ladakh Police.