Context & Background
- Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
- Local civil society groups have long demanded constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s culture, demography, land, and jobs (similar to Article 371 or Sixth Schedule protections).
- The Centre has now introduced several key policy reforms in response.
Relevance : GS 2(Federalism , Governance)
Reservation Policy Changes
- Total Reservation Cap Raised:
- Earlier: Capped at 50% (as per 2004 J&K Reservation Act).
- Now: Raised to 85%, excluding EWS quota.
- With 10% for EWS, the total reservation hits 95%, among the highest in India.
- Scheduled Tribes Focus:
- 80% of jobs likely to be reserved for STs, reflecting Ladakh’s majority tribal population.
- Comparison:
- Meghalaya: 85% for SCs/STs.
- Arunachal Pradesh: 80% for STs.
Domicile Policy
- To qualify as a domicile:
- One must have resided in Ladakh continuously for 15 years since October 31, 2019 (UT foundation day).
- Applies even to children of Central government officials.
- Implication:
- Tightens eligibility for government jobs and other benefits.
- Aimed at preserving Ladakhi identity and limiting demographic changes.
Language Policy
- Official languages of Ladakh now include:
- English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi.
- Bhoti and Purgi are local languages, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region.
Changes in Hill Council Composition
- One-third reservation for women in hill councils (LAHDC Leh and Kargil).
- To be implemented on a rotational basis.
- Boosts women’s political representation in Ladakh’s local governance.
Broader Significance
- Responds to the socio-political concerns of Ladakhi stakeholders.
- Enhances affirmative action, local autonomy, and cultural preservation.
- Indicates Centre’s decentralized approach to governance in tribal-majority UTs.
- Could serve as a model for region-specific governance policies elsewhere in India.
