LEH, March 13: Vinai Kumar Saxena was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on Friday, eight days after President Droupadi Murmu appointed him to the post. Saxena, succeeding Kavinder Gupta, took the oath of office and secrecy administered by Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli.
The ceremony unfolded at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra read the President’s warrant of appointment, after which Saxena signed the charge certificate. He received a ceremonial guard of honour from Ladakh Police.
This marks Saxena as the fourth LG of the Union Territory. Gupta had assumed office on July 18, 2025, before resigning on March 5, 2026, to become Himachal Pradesh Governor.
Speaking to media post-ceremony, Saxena thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the responsibility. Calling Ladakh India’s “crown,” he vowed to serve its people’s aspirations, planning visits to villages and remote areas for on-ground insights.
Prioritizing tourism, Saxena aims to position Ladakh as a top global destination. He emphasized sustainable development for the fragile ecosystem, including afforestation, water bodies, urban cleanliness, and sewage infrastructure. “As entrusted by PM Modi, Ladakh’s people will never be disappointed,” he affirmed, committing to collaboration for a progressive UT.
With over 30 years in corporate and social sectors—previously Delhi’s LG—Saxena engaged diverse locals, promising to address all concerns.
