Senior IAS officer Ashish Kundra, Thursday formally assumed charge as the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh.He replaced Dr Pawan Kotwal who retired from services on 31st December.

Upon assuming office, Kundra reaffirmed his commitment to effective governance, transparent administration, and inclusive development across the Union Territory. He emphasized the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms, enhance service delivery, and ensure the timely implementation of developmental programmes aimed at the welfare of all sections of society.

Highlighting the importance of teamwork, accountability, and responsiveness, the new Chief Secretary stated that addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh would remain a key priority of the administration. He laid emphasis on accessible administration which reaches out to all parts of the Union Territory in line with Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas.

The administration, he said, must gear up to meet the economic aspiration of youth and unlocking the economic potential of the territory. Ladakh has a civilizational history and has always been emblematic of peace. This must always be treasured and preserved.  He also underscored that given its fragile ecology, the model of development must necessarily address issues of sustainability and climate change, and we must not go on a path of reckless construction in the name of development.

Earlier, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded to Ashish Kundra, IAS, at the UT Secretariat, Leh, following his assumption of charge as the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh.