In a significant administrative shift, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has abolished the position of Adviser to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in Ladakh and established the post of Chief Secretary to replace it. This change mirrors a similar restructuring previously implemented in Chandigarh, another Union Territory.
Until now, Ladakh has operated with an adviser to the LG, a position typically held by an IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre. With this new development, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer, who has been serving as Adviser to the LG, will now assume the role of the first Chief Secretary of Ladakh.
This transition marks a historic milestone in the governance structure of Ladakh, signaling a shift toward a more conventional administrative framework akin to other Union Territories. The move is expected to streamline governance and align Ladakh’s administrative setup with evolving requirements.
The creation of the Chief Secretary post underscores the MHA’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency of governance in Ladakh, a region of strategic importance and cultural significance.
Who is IAS Pawan Kotwal?
Dr. Pawan Kotwal, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1994 batch from the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, holds an MBBS degree. Throughout his career, he has held various significant positions, including Deputy Commissioner roles in multiple districts and Principal Secretary for Health & Medical Education, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Revenue, Planning & Monitoring Departments in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
In June 2023, Dr. Kotwal assumed the position of Advisor to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, overseeing key portfolios such as Home, Revenue, and Finance. Additionally, he serves as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, contributing to the region’s educational development. His extensive administrative experience and medical background have been instrumental in implementing reforms and initiatives across various sectors in Ladakh.
