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Ladakh’s Bid for Statehood
Background
- Once integrated with the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh transformed into a Union Territory post the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the state into two distinct Union Territories in August 2019.
- Since this transition, Ladakh has been grappling with its altered administrative status, striving for enhanced autonomy and preservation of its cultural and demographic essence.
Key Demands
- Statehood for Ladakh: The aspiration to elevate Ladakh from its current Union Territory status to that of a full-fledged state, thereby empowering it with increased political autonomy and decision-making capabilities.
- Safeguards under the 6th Schedule: The call for constitutional provisions under the 6th Schedule to safeguard the cultural, linguistic, and land rights of the indigenous populace.
- Job Reservations: Advocating for reserved job quotas for Ladakhi youth to ensure equitable access to economic opportunities and resources.
- Creation of Separate Parliamentary Constituencies: Proposing distinct Parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil to better reflect the unique demographics and geography of each region.
Government Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established a high-powered committee to engage with Ladakh's representatives regarding their demands.
Rationale Behind Ladakh's UT Status
- Cultural and Demographic Variances: Ladakh's predominantly Buddhist population contrasted starkly with the Muslim-majority demographics of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir, sparking concerns about resource allocation, political representation, and cultural preservation.
- Security Considerations: Situated amidst sensitive regions like Pakistan and China, Ladakh's strategic significance necessitated more direct administrative oversight from the central government to bolster security measures.
- Developmental Perspective: Transforming Ladakh into a Union Territory was perceived as a means to address longstanding grievances, enhance administrative efficiency, and expedite regional development initiatives.
Constitutional Provisions Pertaining to State Formation in India
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to undertake various actions regarding the formation, alteration, or dissolution of states. These actions encompass the creation of new states, alterations in state boundaries, changes in state names, and modifications in state areas. However, certain conditions under Article 3 mandate prior presidential recommendations and consultation with concerned state legislatures.
Understanding the Sixth Schedule
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution harbours special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states, namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It aims to safeguard tribal land and resources, prevent their exploitation, and uphold the cultural and social identities of tribal communities. The establishment of Autonomous Districts and Regions, along with District and Regional Councils, constitutes the operational framework under the Sixth Schedule.
