mussa Tumaily

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed significant measures for Ladakh, including a 95% reservation in government jobs for locals, one-third reservation for women in hill councils, and steps to address land-related concerns. These announcements were made during a high-powered committee (HPC) meeting held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, with regional leaders in attendance. The Centre has also expressed its commitment to draft provisions ensuring “constitutional safeguards” to protect Ladakh’s land and culture. Additionally, Urdu and Bhoti have been proposed as official languages of Ladakh, while 22 pending laws are under review to address local concerns related to empowerment and wildlife. Ladakh has witnessed ongoing protests since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which stripped the region of its constitutional safeguards.

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Over the past five years, residents have rallied around four key demands:

1. Statehood for Ladakh.

2. Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to grant tribal status.

3. Job reservations for locals.

4. A dedicated parliamentary seat for both Leh and Kargil.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

Thupstan Chhewang, former BJP MP and chairman of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), stated that the government assured immediate action on recruitments. He clarified that gazetted posts such as doctors and engineers would be filled through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), rather than the Delhi Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Services (DANICS). “Since becoming a union territory, Ladakh has seen no gazetted recruitments, leaving our educated youth jobless. Most recruitments have been contractual. This is a pressing concern,” said Mr. Chhewang. The Centre has also indicated readiness to discuss the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule during the next HPC meeting, scheduled for January 15, 2025.

Additional Proposals –

Establishment of constitutional protections for land and culture.

– Introduction of Urdu and Bhoti as official languages.

– Review of existing laws to address empowerment and local concerns.

Moving Forward

The HPC meeting, chaired by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, included eight representatives each from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The Centre’s proposals aim to address the socio-economic and cultural aspirations of Ladakh, signaling progress in the dialogue between the government and regional stakeholders.