Marking an important step towards strengthening Ladakh’s administrative structure and opening up avenues for career progression for serving government employees, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts across 15 departments and services of the Ladakh UT administration.
The proposed rules will provide a structured route for eligible officers serving in the feeder cadres to move to higher junior scale posts after completing the prescribed qualifying service.
The proposed recruitment rules cover junior scale posts across the 15 departments and services, namely General Administration Department; Cooperative; Employment; Excise and Taxation; Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution; Handicrafts and Handlooms, Industries and Commerce; Information; Labour; Rural Development; Revenue; Social Welfare; Tourism and Transport.
The recruitment rules have been framed following the recent amendment by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), dated September 9, 2026, which has empowered the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to frame rules for Group ‘B’ gazetted services or posts, including posts forming part of a common cadre such as JKAS.
Earlier, such posts were outside the rule-making powers of the Lieutenant Governor. This development came after LG Saxena, in July this year, personally raised the issue with the MHA, pointing out that regular promotions were delayed in the absence of the necessary recruitment rules.
The Lieutenant Governor has thanked Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, for his constant support in strengthening the governance in Ladakh. The move is expected to contribute significantly to administrative efficiency and institutional strengthening in Ladakh by enabling the UT administration to establish appropriate recruitment and promotion mechanisms for critical Group ‘B’ gazetted posts according to its own administrative requirements.
“Strong and efficient institutions are essential for delivering responsive and effective governance. I am thankful to Union Home Minister, Amit Shah Ji, for his continued support and guidance in strengthening governance in Ladakh and fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
These Recruitment Rules will provide deserving officers in the feeder cadres a clear and structured pathway for career progression, while direct recruitment will bring fresh talent into the administration,” said LG Saxena.
The proposed recruitment pattern provides 50 percent direct recruitment and 50 percent promotion for several services. Overall, 79 posts have been identified for direct recruitment and 50 for promotion. The draft recruitment rules will be placed in the public domain for 30 days in accordance with the DoPT guidelines, inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders. After examination of the feedback and necessary modifications, the final proposals will be submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for consultation or approval, as applicable, before notification.
