News: MHA has proposed a new Chapter K under Article 371 to create a special constitutional framework for Ladakh.

Key Proposal

• Elected body → Representatives elected by the people of Ladakh.
• Legislative powers → Land + culture + language + forests + environment + natural resources.
• Sui-generis model → Unique governance arrangement suited to Ladakh’s local conditions.
• Objective → Greater local democracy + participation in decision-making.

Demands of Ladakh Civil Society

• Leh Apex Body (LAB) + Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) → Demand clear constitutional safeguards.
• Proposed elected body should have powers similar to Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils.
• Safeguards sought → Land + jobs + tribal identity + culture + natural resources.
• LG’s powers → Major decisions on administration, bureaucracy, land etc. should be restricted until safeguards are implemented

Sixth Schedule Demand

• Provides Autonomous District Councils for tribal areas.
• Councils deal with → Land + forests + water + culture + customary laws + local development.
• Ladakh seeks Sixth Schedule status → Protection of tribal identity + land rights + local decision-making.

Background

2019: J&K reorganised into:

• J&K UT → With legislature
• Ladakh UT → Without legislature
• Ladakh → Administered through Lieutenant Governor + Union Government.
• Result → Demand for elected representation + constitutional safeguards.

Significance

• Democracy → Greater local participation.
• Identity → Protection of tribal culture and traditions.
• Resources → Greater local control over land + water + forests.
• Environment → Better protection of fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
• Development → Local participation → more region-specific development policies.