Ladakh Administration Reassigns Key Departments After Sanjeev Khirwar’s Exit; Three IAS Officers Handed Major Additional Portfolios
In a significant administrative realignment within the Union Territory of Ladakh, the UT administration has redistributed several high-impact departments among senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers following the relieving of Sanjeev Khirwar, who was serving as Principal Secretary. The reallocation has been formalised through an official government order and is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted governance and sustained administrative efficiency during the transitional phase.
The departments that were previously under Khirwar’s charge have now been entrusted as additional responsibilities to three experienced IAS officers, thereby reinforcing leadership across critical policy and service-delivery sectors in the UT.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra Given Charge of Forest, Ecology & Environment
Ashish Kundra, IAS, currently holding the position of Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, has been assigned the additional portfolio of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department. With this new responsibility, Kundra will oversee environmental conservation, forest management, biodiversity protection, and ecological sustainability initiatives across Ladakh, alongside his existing administrative duties.
Officials indicated that this move will strengthen the UT’s environmental governance framework, particularly in view of Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecosystem and increasing developmental activities.
Dr Laltinkhuma Franklin Takes Over Health & Medical Education
Dr. Laltinkhuma Franklin, IAS, who is serving as Commissioner Secretary, has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Health & Medical Education Department. This department plays a pivotal role in managing public healthcare delivery, hospital administration, medical colleges, and health infrastructure development across Ladakh.
The appointment places Franklin at the forefront of healthcare policy execution, capacity building in medical education, and implementation of national and UT-level health programmes.
Rudra Goud Allocated Labour, Employment and Science & Technology Portfolios
Rudra Goud, IAS, presently functioning as Administrative Secretary, has been given two additional departments—Labour & Employment and Science & Technology. With these expanded responsibilities, Goud will oversee employment generation initiatives, labour welfare policies, skill development programmes, and technological innovation and digital governance projects within the UT.
Effective Date of the New Responsibilities
According to the official order, all three officers will formally assume charge of their additional portfolios with effect from January 9, 2026. The temporary redistribution has been arranged to ensure that departmental operations, decision-making processes, and service delivery remain unaffected following Khirwar’s departure.
Ensuring Stability During Administrative Transition
Senior officials stated that the strategic reallocation of responsibilities reflects the UT administration’s commitment to maintaining continuity, efficiency, and policy momentum across vital governance sectors. The move is expected to provide seamless oversight in areas such as environmental protection, healthcare, employment generation, and technological advancement during the transition period.
