In a significant move to address the shortage of Gazetted officers in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the filling of vacant Group 'B' Gazetted Administrative Service posts through ad-hoc promotions as an interim measure.

In a communication dated July 27, 2026, the MHA stated that while efforts are underway to establish a long-term solution to the shortage of officers, the UT Administration may fill vacancies under the promotion quota through ad-hoc promotions until a regular promotion mechanism is put in place.
The decision follows the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who raised the issue with the Ministry, highlighting the acute shortage of officers in the Group 'B' Gazetted Administrative Service. He pointed out that regular promotions have remained pending as the relevant Recruitment Rules are yet to be notified, resulting in a shortage of Gazetted officers and affecting the functioning of various government departments.

The approval is expected to provide immediate relief to eligible officials awaiting promotion while helping departments overcome the shortage of Gazetted officers. It is also expected to strengthen governance by ensuring continuity in administration, faster decision-making, and improved public service delivery across the Union Territory.

Welcoming the decision, Lt Governor Saxena said the MHA's approval would strengthen governance in Ladakh while addressing the legitimate aspirations of officials awaiting promotion.

"This decision will help overcome the shortage of Gazetted officers, improve administrative efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of public services. I have directed the Chief Secretary to initiate the promotion process immediately," he said.

The Ministry has directed that all ad-hoc promotions be made strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Department of Personnel and Training's Office Memorandum dated April 3, 2013, along with subsequent amendments and other instructions issued from time to time, subject to the fulfilment of all prescribed conditions.