Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena attended the valedictory function and passing-out parade of Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, Followers and Special Police Officers (SPOs) at the Police Training School, Stongsar, on October 6. The occasion marked the successful completion of training by newly recruited personnel and the professional advancement of serving personnel through pre-promotional courses.

The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated 24 two-BHK police family quarters aimed at improving the accommodation and welfare of police personnel. He launched the official Emblem, Flag, Logo and shoulder, cap and belt badges of the Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service, along with its official website and the Comprehensive Fire Safety Handbook.

The website has been developed as a single digital platform providing citizens and other stakeholders access to Fire NOC services, fire safety guidelines, advisories, forms, rules and regulations, emergency contact details, fire station information and public awareness material.

The Lieutenant Governor inspected the parade and took the salute of the marching contingents during the ceremonial march past. He also presented awards to the Overall Best, Indoor Best, Outdoor Best and Best Marchman among the Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, Followers and SPOs. The Chief Drill Inspector was felicitated for his contribution to the training and preparation of the personnel.

A total of 114 newly recruited SPOs successfully completed their training and were inducted into Ladakh Police. They will be deployed in the newly created districts of Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Drass and Zanskar, augmenting police manpower and strengthening police presence closer to communities in remote and difficult-to-access areas.

The passing-out parade also marked the completion of pre-promotional courses by 99 police personnel. These included eight Sub-Inspectors undergoing courses for promotion to Inspectors, nine Assistant Sub-Inspectors for promotion to Sub-Inspectors, 77 Head Constables for promotion to Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and five Police Followers for induction as Constables.

Congratulating the passing-out personnel, the Lieutenant Governor noted that policing in Ladakh involves unique challenges due to its vast geographical spread, high-altitude locations, difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and dispersed settlements.

“Ladakh Police performs its duty in some of the most challenging conditions in the country, and the courage, discipline and dedication of its personnel deserve our highest appreciation. Today’s induction of 114 newly recruited SPOs, along with the promotion and professional advancement of 99 serving personnel, will further strengthen the Police force across Ladakh. Our initiatives for police housing and the strengthening of Fire & Rescue Services are aimed at ensuring that our personnel are supported with better facilities, modern systems and the resources they need to serve the people effectively,” said L-G Saxena.

He emphasised that professional advancement in the Police is not merely about assuming a higher rank but also about accepting greater responsibility, leadership and accountability. He highlighted the importance of legal knowledge, investigation skills, technology, discipline, integrity and professional conduct in modern policing.
During the programme, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated four building blocks comprising 24 two-BHK family quarters for eligible personnel from the rank of Follower to Head Constable. Constructed at a cost of ₹11.04 crore, the quarters have been designed keeping Ladakh’s harsh climatic conditions in view.

The Lieutenant Governor also launched the official Emblem, Flag, Logo and Shoulder, Cap and Belt Badges of the Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service. He e-inaugurated the Service’s official website and launched the Comprehensive Fire Safety Handbook for Ladakh.

The handbook covers fire prevention, safety measures, emergency response, evacuation procedures, rescue operations and public awareness. It is intended as a practical reference for citizens, commercial establishments, institutions, offices and other stakeholders.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the induction of new personnel, professional advancement of serving Police personnel and initiatives for Police welfare and Fire & Rescue Services would make Ladakh’s security and emergency response systems more modern, responsive, professional and people-centric.

He paid tribute to the officers and personnel of Ladakh Police and Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service for their dedicated service, stating that their courage, professionalism and commitment constitute a vital strength of Ladakh’s security and emergency response system.