Sajid Raina
Leh, Mar 13: Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday took oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh at a ceremony held in Leh.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Arun Palli at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India, following which Saxena signed the charge certificate.
Saxena succeeds Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory.
After the swearing-in ceremony, he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Ladakh Police.
Speaking to reporters, Saxena thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving the people of Ladakh.
He said he would visit villages and remote areas to understand issues faced by residents and work on solutions.
Saxena said Ladakh has tourism potential and added that efforts would be made to further develop the sector.
He also spoke about the need for development that takes into account the region’s environmental conditions and said focus would be placed on plantation drives, afforestation and development of water bodies.
Saxena said steps would also be taken to improve urban infrastructure, including cleanliness and expansion of sewage treatment facilities.
He said the administration would work in coordination with people from different sections of society.
Among those present at the ceremony were Member of Parliament from Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, senior officials of the administration, representatives of civil society organisations and officers from the Army, ITBP and Ladakh Police.
Saxena previously served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives related to urban governance, environmental conservation and public infrastructure.
