Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, handed over selection letters to provisionally selected candidates who appeared in the recent matriculation-level examinations conducted by the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board (LSSSSB) at the District Panchayat Resource Centre, Leh, on December 29. On the occasion, he also launched the Online Ladakh Domicile Certificate Portal, marking a significant milestone in advancing digital governance and youth empowerment in the Union Territory.

The Lt Governor highlighted the time-bound and transparent recruitment process undertaken by the Union Territory Administration through LSSSSB, noting that the declaration of examination results within just 48 hours reflected strong institutional systems and administrative efficiency.

He said the achievement has set a national benchmark and demonstrated that even remote and border regions like Ladakh can successfully adopt best-in-class administrative practices with clear intent and robust governance mechanisms.

Emphasising the values of public service, Kavinder Gupta said government service is a responsibility towards the people and not merely an employment opportunity. He urged the newly selected candidates to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and professionalism, and to adopt a citizen-first approach. He expressed confidence that the new appointees would contribute meaningfully to good governance, administrative efficiency, and nation-building in Ladakh.

Highlighting the performance of the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board, the Lt Governor said the Board, constituted in 2024, was established with the objective of creating a robust, transparent, and credible recruitment system. He expressed satisfaction that the Board successfully completed its first recruitment process in a fair, transparent, and time-bound manner—from the issuance of advertisements to the conduct of examinations, declaration of results, and final selection.

Referring to the launch of the Online Ladakh Domicile Certificate Portal (https://domicile.ladakh.gov.in), Kavinder Gupta said the initiative would simplify procedures, reduce delays, and eliminate unnecessary visits to government offices. He added that the portal would enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust between the administration and citizens, and would be particularly beneficial for Ladakh given its challenging geographical conditions.

The Lt Governor emphasised that several central government flagship programmes, including Digital India, Smart City Mission, AMRUT, Housing for All, and infrastructure development initiatives launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have accelerated development, attracted investment, and generated employment across various sectors. He specifically mentioned free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Scheme, rural and urban housing under PMAY, Har Ghar Nal Se Jal, and the mission-mode construction of roads and highways, which have transformed the country’s development trajectory while strengthening national connectivity and defence preparedness.

Kavinder Gupta highlighted the unprecedented development witnessed in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019, noting significant progress in empowering youth, farmers, and women. He said that supportive infrastructure, policies, and schemes have promoted entrepreneurship and self-employment, unlocking immense potential in tourism, renewable energy, handicrafts, and public administration.

Calling upon the youth to play a pivotal role in achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said young people are the greatest strength of the nation. He expressed confidence that the newly appointed candidates would uphold the core values of public service and contribute meaningfully to good governance and nation-building.

Concluding his address, Kavinder Gupta congratulated all selected candidates, stating that their selection was the result of hard work, perseverance, and merit. He urged them to view the appointment not merely as a job offer, but as an opportunity to serve the nation.

Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal highlighted the first UT cadre recruitment drive conducted by the UT Administration post-2019 with the assistance of the Staff Selection Commission, through which around 4,000 candidates were selected. He underscored the need to establish a dedicated Ladakh recruitment board and commended LSSSSB for conducting its inaugural recruitment drive in a fair, transparent, and timely manner for the benefit of Ladakhi youth.

Secretary, LSSSSB, Dr. Zahida Bano, informed that the Board had advertised 377 posts, including 99 matriculation-level posts, and conducted examinations and declared results within a remarkably short timeframe, underscoring the Board’s efficiency.

Additional Secretary, GAD, Rigzin Spalgon, briefed the gathering on the Domicile Certificate Issuance Portal, highlighting its simplicity, speed, and accessibility.

Among those present were Administrative Secretary Moses Kunzang, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Directors and Heads of Departments, senior government officials, and newly selected candidates.