Leh, January 1, 2026 – Ashish Kundra, a senior IAS officer, formally took over as the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh today. Kundra, a 1996-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, succeeds Pawan Kotwal, who retired from service on Wednesday. Following a ceremonial guard of honor at the UT Secretariat in Leh, Kundra assumed his responsibilities, marking a significant transition in the Union Territory's administration.
Upon assuming office, Kundra affirmed his dedication to effective governance, transparent administration, and inclusive development throughout Ladakh. He stressed the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring the timely implementation of development programs aimed at the welfare of all sections of society.
Highlighting teamwork, accountability, and responsiveness, the new Chief Secretary stated that addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh would remain a key priority for the administration. He emphasized the need for an accessible administration that reaches all parts of the Union Territory, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas". Kundra also underscored the importance of meeting the economic aspirations of Ladakh's youth and unlocking the region's economic potential.
“Ladakh has a civilizational history and has always been emblematic of peace. This must always be treasured and preserved,” he said.
Kundra also addressed the fragile ecology of the region, emphasizing that Ladakh's development model must be rooted in sustainability and climate sensitivity. He cautioned against reckless construction in the name of development and stressed that growth must address concerns related to climate change.
Administrative Secretaries and senior officers of the UT Administration welcomed Kundra, expressing confidence that his extensive administrative experience and leadership would further strengthen governance and accelerate the overall development of the Union Territory.
Kundra's appointment comes after his transfer from Delhi, as ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday. He previously served as Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Dr. Pawan Kotwal, the outgoing Chief Secretary, was the first to hold the redesignated post after serving as Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor. Kotwal retired on December 31, 2025.
With a career spanning twenty-six years, Kundra has held key administrative positions across Chandigarh, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and New Delhi, bringing a wealth of experience to his new role in Ladakh.
