Ashish Kundra Assumes Charge as Chief Secretary of Ladakh; Prioritizes Sustainable Development and Youth Aspirations

Leh January 01, 2026 :- Ashish Kundra, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), formally assumed the office of Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh today.

Upon his arrival at the UT Secretariat in Leh, he was greeted with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. In his maiden address, Kundra reaffirmed a strong commitment to effective governance, transparency, and inclusive development.

He emphasized the critical need to strengthen institutional mechanisms and enhance service delivery to ensure that the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” reaches every corner of the high-altitude territory.

The new Chief Secretary highlighted that meeting the economic aspirations of Ladakh’s youth and unlocking the region’s unique economic potential would be a top administrative priority. He noted that while development is essential, it must be balanced with the preservation of Ladakh’s fragile ecology. Kundra warned against “reckless construction” and advocated for a development model rooted in sustainability and climate resilience.

He further remarked that Ladakh’s peaceful civilizational history must be treasured as a core identity of the region.

Administrative Secretaries and senior officers welcomed his leadership, expressing confidence that his extensive experience would accelerate Ladakh’s growth and administrative efficiency.