Recently, the Union Government notified new policies on reservation, languages, domiciles, and the composition of hill councils for Ladakh, which became a Union Territory in 2019.

New Rules and Regulations Notified

• Domicile: A person must reside in Ladakh for 15 years from October 31, 2019, to qualify as a domicile.
  • Students who studied for 7 years and appeared in Class 10 or 12 exams in Ladakh are also eligible.
  • Children of Central government employees who served 10 years in Ladakh are included.
• Reservation Expanded: Total reservation in government jobs capped at 85%, excluding 10% for EWS, raising the total to 95%.
  • Around 80% of jobs are likely reserved for Scheduled Tribes, reflecting the demographic profile.
• Reservation for Women: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997 amended to reserve 1/3rd seats for women, on a rotational basis.

• Recognition of Local Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi are designated as official languages. Institutional promotion of Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi languages mandated

Core Demands of Ladakh Civil Society

• Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule: Civil groups demand Sixth Schedule status for tribal and legislative autonomy under the Constitution.
• Land and Job Protection: Request for legal safeguards against land acquisition by outsiders and permanent job quotas for locals.
• Statehood and Representation: Demand for Statehood and a legislative assembly for political self-governance.
  • Request for one Lok Sabha seat each for Leh and Kargil.

Criticism and Limitations

• Lack of Constitutional Backing: All regulations made under Article 240, making them amendable by the Centre without legislative input.
• No Land Ownership Restrictions: No legal ban on outsiders buying land, raising concerns over ecological and cultural impacts.
• No Local Legislative Body: Unlike Sixth Schedule councils, LAHDCs lack legislative powers, functioning mainly as administrative bodies.
• Short Domicile Period Criticised: Civil society demands a 30-year domicile condition, arguing that 15 years is too short to protect local identity.

Conclusion

While the new regulations mark progress in addressing Ladakh’s local concerns, they fall short of constitutional guarantees and land protection, prompting continued civil activism.