Centre’s New Measures in Ladakh

In June 2025, the Central Government issued key notifications addressing several long-standing demands of the Union Territory of Ladakh, including domicile-based reservation in government jobs, recognition of local languages, and cultural protections. However, demands for political autonomy — such as inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and strengthening the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) — remain unresolved.

Centre’s New Measures in Ladakh: Progress on Local Demands, Pending Political Devolution

Key Government Notifications Fulfilling Local Aspirations

• Domicile-Based Reservation Introduced: Through the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, eligibility for government jobs is restricted to individuals with 15 years of residency or those who appeared for Class X or XII in the UT, prioritising local employment.
• High Reservation Quota for Locals: The Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation imposes a ceiling of 85% on reservations (excluding EWS), effectively ensuring overwhelming job access for the 90% Scheduled Tribe population in the region.
• Recognition of Indigenous Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi have been officially recognised as UT languages, addressing a long-pending cultural demand; this will bolster linguistic and cultural preservation mechanisms.

Strategic and Geopolitical Importance of Ladakh

• Border Security and Military Presence: Ladakh shares borders with both Pakistan and China, and has witnessed military tensions, including the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2020–2024 LAC standoff, necessitating continued Centre-led strategic oversight.
• Renewable Energy Hub: The region holds significant potential for solar and wind energy, positioning it as a critical part of India’s clean energy transition and long-term climate commitments.
• Civil-Military Equilibrium Required: While military and strategic interests are paramount, they must be balanced with civilian governance needs rooted in constitutional and democratic rights for the residents.

Democratic Deficits and Unaddressed Demands

• Demand for Sixth Schedule Status Ignored: Despite sustained public demand, the Centre has not extended Sixth Schedule provisions to Ladakh, unlike several tribal-majority regions in the Northeast, leaving gaps in legal autonomy.
• Limited Role of LAHDCs: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) lack legislative powers and operate with constrained administrative authority, undermining the spirit of local self-governance.
• Unresolved Land Ownership Protections: The Centre has yet to address the critical demand of barring outsiders from purchasing land in Ladakh, a key issue tied to preserving the region’s demographic and cultural identity.

Practice Question:

Q. “While recent central notifications have addressed socio-cultural and employment concerns in Ladakh, the deeper issues of democratic devolution and constitutional autonomy remain unresolved.” Critically examine this statement in the context of post-2019 governance challenges in Ladakh.