Ashish Kundra Takes Charge as Ladakh’s New Chief Secretary, marking a major change in the Union Territory’s top administration. Ashish Kundra Takes Charge as Ladakh’s New Chief Secretary from January 1, 2026, or from the day he assumes office.
Senior IAS officer Ashish Kundra, a 1996-batch AGMUT cadre officer, will replace Dr. Pawan Kotwal, who retires on December 31, 2025. Kotwal became Ladakh’s first Chief Secretary after the post of Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor was redesigned earlier this year.
Kundra’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Ladakh. The UT is undergoing rapid restructuring and expansion of developmental projects. His administrative experience across regions such as Chandigarh, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and New Delhi strengthens expectations of steady growth.
Currently, Kundra serves as Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. His transfer signals renewed focus on governance, infrastructure, and people-centric reforms in Ladakh.
Officials believe that this transition will help accelerate ongoing initiatives in administration, connectivity, and public services across the Union Territory.
