TAUSEEF AHMAD
LEH, Dec 29: In a strong endorsement of transparent and time-bound governance, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kevinder Gupta, on Monday said that the Union Territory has set a national benchmark in public recruitment by declaring examination results within just 48 hours. He stated that the swift declaration of marks by the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board (LSSSSB) reflects the administration’s institutional strength, administrative efficiency, and commitment to merit-based governance, even in a geographically remote and strategically sensitive region like Ladakh.
The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a gathering after distributing selection letters to provisionally selected candidates who had appeared in the recent matriculation-level examinations conducted by the LSSSSB. The function was held at the District Panchayat Resource Centre in Leh. On the occasion, LG Gupta also launched the Online Ladakh Domicile Certificate Portal, marking a major step towards digital governance and citizen-centric service delivery in the Union Territory.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, LG Kevinder Gupta said that Ladakh has demonstrated that best-in-class administrative practices can be successfully implemented even in border and high-altitude regions when there is clear intent, transparency, and robust institutional mechanisms. He said the timely completion of the entire recruitment cycle—from advertisement to examination, result declaration and selection—has reinforced public trust in government systems.
Addressing the newly selected candidates, the Lieutenant Governor underscored that government service should never be seen as a privilege, but rather as a solemn responsibility towards the people. He urged the appointees to maintain the highest standards of integrity, discipline, honesty and professionalism, and to adopt a citizen-first approach in their day-to-day functioning. Expressing confidence in the youth of Ladakh, he said their role would be crucial in strengthening governance and public service delivery in the region.
LG Gupta lauded the performance of the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board, which was constituted in 2024 with the objective of creating a credible, transparent and independent recruitment system for the Union Territory. He said the Board’s successful completion of its first-ever recruitment process in a fair and time-bound manner has set a high standard for future selections.
Referring to the launch of the Online Ladakh Domicile Certificate Portal (https://domicile.ladakh.gov.in), the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative would simplify procedures, reduce delays, and eliminate unnecessary visits to government offices. Given Ladakh’s difficult terrain and vast distances, he said the portal would significantly improve accessibility, transparency and efficiency, especially for students and youth seeking employment opportunities.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the impact of flagship central government schemes launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that initiatives such as Digital India, Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, Housing for All, Ujjwala Yojana, PMAY, Har Ghar Nal Se Jal, and large-scale road and highway construction have accelerated development, generated employment and strengthened national connectivity and defence preparedness.
He noted that since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, the region has witnessed unprecedented development, particularly in the empowerment of youth, farmers and women. LG Gupta said focused policies and infrastructure support have unlocked vast potential in sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, handicrafts, entrepreneurship and public administration.
Calling upon the youth to actively contribute towards the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Lieutenant Governor described young people as the greatest strength of the nation. He expressed hope that the newly appointed candidates would become role models in public service and contribute meaningfully to nation-building and good governance.
Concluding his address, LG Kevinder Gupta congratulated all selected candidates, stating that their success was the outcome of hard work, perseverance and merit. He urged them to treat their appointment not merely as a job, but as an opportunity to serve the nation and the people of Ladakh.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal highlighted that this was the first UT cadre recruitment drive conducted after 2019. He recalled that around 4,000 candidates were initially recruited with the help of the Staff Selection Commission, and said the establishment of a dedicated recruitment board was a long-felt need. He commended LSSSSB for conducting its inaugural recruitment in a fair, transparent and efficient manner, benefiting Ladakhi youth.
Secretary, LSSSSB, Dr. Zahida Bano, informed that the Board had advertised 377 posts, including 99 matriculation-level posts, and completed the examination and result process in a remarkably short timeframe. Additional Secretary, GAD, Shri Rigzin Spalgon, explained the features of the domicile portal, while Under Secretary, LSSSSB, Shri Jigmet Angchuk, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by Administrative Secretary Moses Kunzang, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, senior government officials, Heads of Departments and newly selected candidates.
