Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, chaired an introductory meeting with Administrative Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Departments (HoDs) of the UT Administration at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat on July 19. The meeting marked a significant step toward aligning key stakeholders for the smooth and accelerated development of the Union Territory.

Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal provided a detailed briefing, outlining the status of ongoing developmental initiatives, including recruitment drives for district and UT cadre posts, as well as gazetted positions. He also elaborated on the implementation of the domicile law and newly introduced reservation policies, both designed to streamline the recruitment process.

Highlighting fiscal trends, Dr. Kotwal noted that approximately ₹6,000 crore had been allocated to Ladakh over the past four years, though there had been a dip in allocations in the last two fiscal years. He expressed hope that the budgetary outlay would be restored in October by the Ministry of Finance. The meeting also addressed the recent Ministry of Home Affairs announcement regarding the creation of five new districts, a move that will require the recruitment of over 5,000 new personnel.

Further discussions included rationalisation of wildlife sanctuary boundaries in Nubra and Changthang, and progress on renewable energy initiatives in Ladakh. Secretary (Power), Vikram Singh Malik, IAS, shared updates on the solar power project in Pang and other key components of the region’s green energy strategy.

Secretary of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Shashanka Ala, IAS, briefed the LG on the ongoing revision of electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections.

Director General of Police, Dr. S.D. Jamwal, IPS, presented a status report on law and order and police infrastructure across the region.

In his address, LG Kavinder Gupta reaffirmed his commitment to Ladakh’s holistic development, identifying tourism and renewable energy as priority sectors. Reflecting on his prior role as Mayor of Jammu, he stressed the need to empower bureaucratic institutions as the backbone of consistent governance, beyond political changes.

He urged all Secretaries and HoDs to formulate and implement a focused 100-day action plan to fast-track development outcomes. Emphasising a collaborative approach, he assured full support from his office in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister and President of India.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS; Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS; DGP Ladakh Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, IPS; along with Administrative Secretaries, Directors, Deputy Commissioners, SSPs of Leh and Kargil, and Heads of Departments.