NEWS 1
GS2 • Polity and Governance, Union Territories, Federalism
Source: The Hindu
Ladakh's Governance Framework: L-G Powers and Hill Council Reforms
Context: The Centre's proposed constitutional framework for Ladakh, alongside amendments to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), raises questions about elected representation, the Lieutenant Governor's authority, constitutional safeguards and local autonomy.
Background
Reorganisation (2019)
Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature after the reorganisation of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature after the reorganisation of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Regional demands
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have demanded statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have demanded statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
Existing institutions & 2023 committee
Elected hill councils in Leh and Kargil handle specified local development and administration; the Centre set up a high-level committee in 2023 to examine regional concerns and safeguards.
Elected hill councils in Leh and Kargil handle specified local development and administration; the Centre set up a high-level committee in 2023 to examine regional concerns and safeguards.
Proposed Constitutional Framework
L-G's authority
The draft gives the Lieutenant Governor final authority over regulations made by the proposed UT-level elected body, through a new Article of the Constitution.
The draft gives the Lieutenant Governor final authority over regulations made by the proposed UT-level elected body, through a new Article of the Constitution.
Delimitation & women's reservation
Options include population-based, area-based or mixed criteria; the draft considers reserving one-third or up to 50% of seats for women.
Options include population-based, area-based or mixed criteria; the draft considers reserving one-third or up to 50% of seats for women.
Composition questions
Direct or indirect elections, nominated expert members and the roles of MPs and hill council representatives remain open.
Direct or indirect elections, nominated expert members and the roles of MPs and hill council representatives remain open.
LAHDC Amendment Regulation, 2026
Expansion
Hill councils are provided for in all eight districts of Ladakh, including newly created districts.
Hill councils are provided for in all eight districts of Ladakh, including newly created districts.
Size & nomination
Each council may have a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 seats, with four nominated members, including women and unrepresented communities.
Each council may have a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 seats, with four nominated members, including women and unrepresented communities.
Continuity
The LAHDC-Kargil council elected in 2023 continues under the existing framework.
The LAHDC-Kargil council elected in 2023 continues under the existing framework.
Constitutional Provisions and Concerns
Article 239
UTs are administered by the President through an appointed administrator, subject to the applicable constitutional framework.
UTs are administered by the President through an appointed administrator, subject to the applicable constitutional framework.
Sixth Schedule
Covers autonomous councils for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; Ladakh is not currently covered. Article 371 gives special provisions for certain States but not Ladakh.
Covers autonomous councils for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; Ladakh is not currently covered. Article 371 gives special provisions for certain States but not Ladakh.
Concerns
Democratic accountability if the L-G has the final word; overlapping powers among L-G, elected body and LAHDCs; protection of land, jobs and cultural identity; a consultation deficit.
Democratic accountability if the L-G has the final word; overlapping powers among L-G, elected body and LAHDCs; protection of land, jobs and cultural identity; a consultation deficit.
Way Forward
Process
Meaningful consultation with the LAB, KDA and hill councils; a clear division of powers between the L-G, the elected body and LAHDCs.
Meaningful consultation with the LAB, KDA and hill councils; a clear division of powers between the L-G, the elected body and LAHDCs.
Safeguards
Transparent delimitation reflecting population, geography and accessibility; constitutionally appropriate protection for land, culture, employment and local resources.
Transparent delimitation reflecting population, geography and accessibility; constitutionally appropriate protection for land, culture, employment and local resources.
Key Takeaway: Ladakh is not under the Sixth Schedule; the proposed framework would create an elected UT-level body through a new Article, but with the L-G holding final authority over its regulations — so the real debate is autonomy versus central control.
Prelims Practice MCQ
+2 correct • −0.66 wrongWith reference to the governance framework of Ladakh, consider the following statements:
1. Ladakh is currently covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
2. Under the LAHDC Amendment Regulation, 2026, hill councils are provided for in all eight districts of Ladakh.
3. Article 239 provides for the administration of Union Territories by the President through an appointed administrator.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect — the Sixth Schedule covers tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; Ladakh is not covered, which is why LAB and KDA demand inclusion. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
UPSC Mains Question
15 Marks • 250 WordsThe proposed governance framework for Ladakh seeks to balance central administration with local autonomy. Critically examine the concerns it raises for democratic accountability and constitutional safeguards in the region.
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Use after attempting the Mains answer
- Open with the 2019 reorganisation — Ladakh became a UT without a legislature — and the LAB/KDA demands for statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
- Name the key design feature: L-G's final authority over regulations of the proposed elected body, through a new Article of the Constitution.
- Use the LAHDC Amendment Regulation, 2026 facts — councils in all eight districts, 7–24 seats per council, four nominated members.
- Cite Article 239, the Sixth Schedule (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram) and Article 371 to show the constitutional options.
- Conclude by balancing administrative effectiveness with democratic accountability and protection of Ladakh's cultural and ecological identity.
