Leh: Vinai Kumar Saxena today took oath as the 4th Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh at a ceremony held at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the 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, following which Vinai Kumar Saxena signed the charge certificate.
Saxena succeeds Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Vinai Kumar Saxena was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Ladakh Police.
Interacting with the media after the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 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 assured that he would work wholeheartedly in accordance with the aspirations and requirements of the people.
Highlighting his development approach, Saxena stated that he intends to visit villages and remote areas across Ladakh to understand the problems faced by people on the ground and identify practical and sustainable solutions. He noted that Ladakh possesses tremendous tourism potential and emphasised that one of his key priorities would be to make Ladakh one of the most beautiful and sought-after tourism destinations in the country and the world.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of sustainable and environmentally responsible development, noting that Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem requires careful planning. He spoke about the need to increase greenery through plantation drives, afforestation initiatives and the development of water bodies. He also highlighted the importance of improving urban infrastructure, including cleanliness and the expansion of sewage treatment facilities.
Reiterating the commitment of the administration towards the welfare of the people, Saxena said that, as entrusted to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he would ensure that the people of Ladakh are never disappointed. He added that he would work in close coordination with the people and seek their cooperation in transforming Ladakh into a developed and progressive Union Territory. He further stated that he would make every effort to meet people from different sections of society and address their concerns.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also interacted with people from diverse backgrounds who had gathered to greet him and convey their best wishes on assuming charge as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. The ceremony also featured a cultural performance in his honour, showcasing Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage.
Vinai Kumar Saxena brings with him over three decades of extensive 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. During his tenure in Delhi, he was credited with restoring urban forests such as Sanjay Van, developing green public spaces along the Yamuna riverfront, initiating land management reforms, strengthening citizen-centric civic amenities and overseeing city beautification initiatives.
Among those present at the swearing-in ceremony were Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan; His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche; DGP Ladakh, Mukesh Singh; GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla; Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Bhikkhu Sanghasena; former Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Principal District and Sessions Judge Leh, Spalzes Angmo; Executive Councillors from LAHDC Kargil, Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; SSP Leh Shree Raam; Directors and Heads of Departments, representatives from various political, religious and civil society organisations, state awardees, prominent citizens, senior government officials, law officials and officers from the Indian Army, ITBP and Ladakh Police.
