UT Ladakh Bids Adieu to Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Welcomes Ashish Kundra
Leh, December 31: The Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday bid a warm farewell to its outgoing Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, while formally welcoming Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, as the new Chief Secretary, at a ceremony led by Lieutenant Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta on the eve of Dr. Kotwal’s superannuation.
Dr. Kotwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer and the first Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, played a pivotal role in shaping the administrative framework of the newly created Union Territory. He also served as Advisor and Principal Secretary during his tenure.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described the moment as emotional yet proud, lauding Dr. Kotwal as a visionary, result-oriented and people-centric administrator. He credited Dr. Kotwal with setting new benchmarks in transparent, efficient and responsive governance, particularly in Ladakh’s challenging terrain marked by strategic sensitivity, environmental concerns and developmental aspirations.
The Lt Governor said Dr. Kotwal’s deep understanding of ground realities ensured effective and timely implementation of policies, translating government schemes into tangible outcomes for the people. He urged officers serving in Ladakh to uphold integrity, innovation and service, calling them key contributors to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Extending best wishes to Shri Ashish Kundra, the Lt Governor expressed confidence that his rich administrative experience would ensure continuity, innovation and strengthened people-first governance in the Union Territory.
In his farewell address, Dr. Pawan Kotwal expressed gratitude to the UT Administration and recalled the challenges faced upon joining Ladakh in April 2021, including infrastructure development, framing recruitment rules and establishing seamless governance mechanisms. He praised the dedication of officials and the patriotism of the people of Ladakh, describing the region as eternally close to his heart.
The Lieutenant Governor honoured Dr. Kotwal with traditional khataks, a memento and gifts, in the presence of his family members.
Senior officials, including GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, DGP Ladakh Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, senior bureaucrats, judicial officers, and representatives from Ladakh Police and defence forces, attended the ceremony and paid tributes to Dr. Kotwal’s distinguished service.
The event marked a significant leadership transition in UT Ladakh, reflecting both continuity and renewed administrative momentum.
