Leh, Mar 19: Stressing the need for faster promotions, streamlined recruitment processes, and accurate workforce planning, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Wednesday directed all departments in the Union Territory of Ladakh to address pending vacancies and improve coordination through a centralised digital system.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Leh, Kundra placed clear emphasis on expediting Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) to resolve stagnation in services and unlock vacancies for fresh recruitment. He also underscored the urgency of timely referral of direct recruitment posts to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), noting that delays at any stage impact overall administrative efficiency.
A major highlight of the meeting was the directive to create a unified and real-time digital database of vacancies across departments within 15 days. This database will include details such as existing vacancies, dates of DPCs, and updated staffing positions, enabling closer monitoring and quicker decision-making on human resource deployment.
Administrative Secretaries presented detailed updates on recruitment status, including ongoing selection processes, vacancies at various stages such as referral and advertisement, and projections for upcoming recruitment cycles. The review covered both gazetted and non-gazetted posts, with particular attention to staffing gaps in key sectors.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed preparations for upcoming examinations to be conducted by the Ladakh Subordinate Services Selection Board and the Ladakh Subordinate Services Recruitment Board. Examinations for multiple posts are scheduled between March 28 and May. To ensure impartial conduct, Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil have been directed to arrange for the interchange of invigilators.
Kundra called for the clearance of long-pending vacancies and proposed the organisation of employment fairs in both districts to expand outreach to job seekers. He further stressed adherence to established recruitment norms, including those aligned with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines wherever applicable.
The meeting identified critical vacancies in sectors such as the Culture Academy, Health—particularly in non-gazetted categories—and School Education. To address procedural inconsistencies, the Chief Secretary directed the General Administration Department (GAD) to develop a standardised Recruitment Rule framework for multitasking posts across departments. The aim is to bring uniformity in recruitment by identifying common categories and simplifying procedures.
In view of the proposed creation of new districts in Ladakh, Kundra advised departments to undertake a comprehensive assessment of manpower requirements, especially in education, health, and infrastructure, to ensure effective service delivery in the new administrative units.
The meeting also reviewed service-related matters, including provisions under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and issues related to the old and new pension schemes.
Senior officials present included Commissioner Secretary Lalinthakhuma Franklin, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rajesh S Kumar, Secretary School Education Bhanu Prabha, Secretary Tourism Sanjeet Rodrigues, Secretary GAD Rudra P T Goud, Secretary IT Shashanka Ala, Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, and Secretary Youth Services and Sports Moses Kunzang, among others.
