Lieutenant Governor-designate Vinai Kumar Saxena received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh on March 12. Senior officials, political representatives, religious leaders, and local residents gathered at the airport to greet him as he prepares to assume office as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Senior Officials and Leaders Welcome Saxena
Several top officials and leaders were present at the airport to welcome Saxena. Among those who received him included:
- Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra
- Director General of Police Mukesh Singh
- Deputy Commissioner of Leh Romil Singh Donk
- Senior Superintendent of Police Leh Shree Raam
- BJP State President Tashi Gyalson Khachu
Representatives from various political, social, and religious organizations also extended their greetings and conveyed their best wishes to Saxena ahead of his new role.
Oath Ceremony Scheduled on March 13
Vinai Kumar Saxena is scheduled to take oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on March 13, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The oath ceremony will take place at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium Hall of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in Choglamsar.
The oath of office will be administered by Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Saxena to Succeed Kavinder Gupta
Saxena will succeed Kavinder Gupta, who recently took charge as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. With this appointment, Saxena becomes the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Farewell at Delhi Airport Before Departure
Before departing for Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena was given a warm farewell at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi by senior officials, political leaders, and members of civil society.
During the farewell ceremony, a Delhi Police contingent presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour in recognition of his service.
Notable Tenure as Delhi Lieutenant Governor
Vinai Kumar Saxena stepped down as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on March 10, 2026 after serving nearly four years in the role. His tenure was marked by several administrative and structural reforms aimed at improving governance and public infrastructure.
Key initiatives during his tenure included:
- Development of public green spaces across Delhi
- Rejuvenation of the polluted Yamuna floodplains
- Restoration of heritage sites
- Large-scale beautification and aesthetic upgrades in the national capital
His leadership focused on efficient policy implementation and on-ground execution of development initiatives.
New Phase for Ladakh Administration
With Vinai Kumar Saxena set to assume charge, Ladakh is expected to enter a new phase of administrative leadership, focusing on governance, development, and infrastructure growth in the strategically important Union Territory.
