Answer

The demand for Sixth Schedule inclusion in Ladakh stems from aspirations for enhanced autonomy, cultural preservation, and political representation. With over 90% tribal population (2023), Ladakh seeks constitutional safeguards to protect its unique identity and ensure self-governance.

Advantages of Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule

Autonomy

• Empowered Local Governance: Inclusion would grant legislative powers to Autonomous District Councils, enabling control over land, forests, and local resources.
  Example: The Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam exercises such powers, leading to tailored regional development.
• Decentralized Administration: Local councils could frame laws on agriculture, village administration, and social customs, reducing dependence on central governance.

Cultural Preservation

• Protection of Traditions: Autonomous councils can enact laws preserving tribal customs, languages, and heritage.
• Control Over Cultural Institutions: Councils can manage cultural sites and institutions, ensuring they reflect local values.

Political Representation

• Enhanced Political Voice: Elected councils under the Sixth Schedule would provide Ladakhis with a platform to influence regional policies.
  Example: Assam’s Karbi Anglong Council allows local leaders to participate directly in governance.
• Safeguarded Electoral Rights: Provisions can ensure fair representation of tribal communities in legislative bodies.
  Example: Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule areas have reserved seats for Scheduled Tribes, ensuring their political inclusion.

Recent Policy Measures by the Centre

• Job Reservation: On June 3, 2025, the Centre approved an 85% job quota for locals in Ladakh, addressing employment concerns.
  Example: This move aims to protect the economic rights of Ladakhis and preserve their cultural identity.
• Women’s Representation: The policy also reserves one-third of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) seats for women, promoting gender equality.
• Domicile Policy: The new rules define domicile criteria, ensuring that benefits reach genuine residents.
  Example: This measure aims to prevent demographic changes that could affect Ladakh’s cultural fabric.
• Dialogue with Stakeholders: The government has initiated talks with local leaders to address constitutional safeguards.
  Example: Discussions with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance are ongoing to find amicable solutions.

Persisting Challenges

• Limited Legislative Powers: LAHDCs currently lack authority to legislate on critical issues, restricting self-governance.
  Example: Unlike Sixth Schedule councils, LAHDCs cannot make laws on land or resource management.
• Environmental Concerns: Industrial projects threaten Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, with inadequate local oversight.
  Example: Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 2024 hunger strike highlighted ecological risks from unregulated development.
• Delayed Constitutional Safeguards: Despite promises, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule remains pending.
  Example: The 2019 commitment to consider Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh is yet to materialize.
• Geopolitical Sensitivities: Proximity to international borders complicates granting autonomy due to security concerns.

Way Forward

• Sixth Schedule Inclusion: Granting this status would empower local councils with legislative authority, ensuring self-governance.
• Strengthening LAHDCs: Enhancing the powers of LAHDCs can provide interim relief while broader constitutional changes are considered.
  Example: Amending the LAHDC Act to include legislative functions can bridge current governance gaps .
• Environmental Safeguards: Implementing strict regulations can protect Ladakh’s unique ecology from unsustainable development.
  Example: Establishing Eco-Sensitive Zones can balance development with conservation .
• Inclusive Dialogue: Continuous engagement with local stakeholders ensures policies align with regional aspirations.
  Example: Regular consultations with Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance can build trust and consensus.

While recent policy measures address some concerns, the core demands of autonomy, cultural preservation, and political representation in Ladakh remain unmet. Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule offers a constitutional pathway to fulfill these aspirations, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development in this strategically vital region