Leh: Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday took oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh at a ceremony held at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in Choglamsar.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the Hon’ble 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, after which Saxena signed the charge certificate. He succeeds Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Saxena was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Ladakh Police.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Saxena expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving the people of Ladakh. Describing Ladakh as the “crown of India,” he said he would work in line with the aspirations and needs of its people.
Saxena said he plans to visit villages and remote areas across the Union Territory to understand ground realities and address people’s issues. Highlighting Ladakh’s vast tourism potential, he emphasised that one of his priorities would be to develop the region into one of the most attractive tourism destinations in India and globally.
He also stressed the need for sustainable and environmentally responsible development, noting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. Saxena highlighted the importance of increasing greenery through plantation drives, afforestation programmes and the development of water bodies. He further spoke about strengthening urban infrastructure, including cleanliness and the expansion of sewage treatment facilities.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to public welfare, Saxena said he would work closely with people from all sections of society to address their concerns and contribute to Ladakh’s development as a progressive Union Territory.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with people from different backgrounds who had gathered to greet him and offer their best wishes. The ceremony also featured a cultural performance showcasing Ladakh’s rich heritage.
Saxena brings with him more than three decades of experience in the corporate and social sectors. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, where he initiated several measures aimed at strengthening urban governance, environmental conservation and public infrastructure.
VK Saxena Takes Oath as 4th LG of Ladakh
