Leh/Jammu: Ladakh is working on a new constitutional safeguard framework under Article 371 of the Constitution to address the Union Territory’s specific requirements, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, a 1996-batch IAS officer, said. The proposed framework is intended to cover concerns related to land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources.
Kundra made the remarks during a consultative meeting with members of Ladakh’s civil society in Leh, where key administrative, developmental and political issues concerning the Union Territory were discussed.
The development comes amid ongoing discussions between representatives of Ladakh and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on a proposed governance framework and constitutional and legislative safeguards for the Union Territory. The administration has said that the next round of discussions is expected in October.
Ladakh Constitutional Safeguards Under Article 371
Kundra said a new model is being worked out keeping in view the aspirations and specific requirements of the people of Ladakh.
According to the Chief Secretary, there is broad agreement on the need for constitutional protection for Ladakh. He said the proposed safeguards should cover key areas including:
- Land rights
- Employment
- Culture and heritage
- Environment
- Natural resources
The proposed arrangement is being discussed as a customised governance model for Ladakh. Earlier, the Ladakh administration said the proposed framework would involve an amendment to Article 371 and would require consideration by Parliament.
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Draft Framework to Be Discussed in October
Kundra said a draft of the proposed framework would be discussed at the next meeting between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs, proposed for the first week of October.
The administration has previously said that Ladakh representatives were asked to work on a draft examining the relationship and distribution of powers between the existing Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) and the proposed Union Territory-level body.
Further steps, including consideration of a proposed constitutional amendment by Parliament, would follow after consensus is reached on the framework.
Kundra also said that separate legislation would subsequently be required to set out detailed provisions relating to the proposed body’s powers, functions and institutional arrangements.
Direct Elections Proposed for UT-Level Body
One of the key suggestions emerging from the Centre-Ladakh discussions is direct elections for the proposed Union Territory-level body.
The Ladakh administration has previously said that representatives from the Ladakh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed consensus on having direct elections through constituencies for the proposed UT-level body.
The proposed governance structure is intended to establish a relationship between the existing local institutions and a UT-level body, with the distribution of powers still forming part of the ongoing discussions.
The precise institutional structure and division of responsibilities are expected to be worked out through consultations before any constitutional amendment is taken forward.
Chief Secretary Reviews Development and Administrative Issues
The consultative meeting in Leh also covered several administrative, developmental and social issues affecting Ladakh.
Discussions included:
- Constitutional safeguards
- Land rights
- Employment
- Culture and heritage
- Environmental protection
- Education
- Drug abuse
- Natural resources
- Administrative and developmental matters
The meeting provided a platform for civil society representatives to discuss these issues with the UT administration.
Administrative Initiatives and Health Infrastructure
Kundra also highlighted several recent administrative initiatives in Ladakh.
These included strengthening the district-level administrative structure, posting officers in the districts and upgrading hospitals to district hospitals.
He also referred to progress towards Panchayat elections as part of efforts to strengthen local-level administration and governance.
The administration has been undertaking wider administrative reforms following the expansion of Ladakh’s district structure and has also been working on extending local governance mechanisms across the Union Territory.
Ladakh Records Over Four Lakh Tourist Arrivals
Tourism was another key area highlighted during the meeting.
According to the Chief Secretary, Ladakh has recorded more than four lakh tourist arrivals so far this year, compared with approximately 3.35 lakh tourist arrivals during the entire previous year.
The tourism figures were cited as part of the administration’s discussion on the Union Territory’s development and economic activity.
With tourism being an important component of Ladakh’s economy, the administration’s wider policy discussions also involve balancing development with environmental protection and preservation of the region’s cultural and natural resources.
DGP Anand Jain Raises Drug-Related Concerns
Ladakh DGP Anand Jain also addressed the meeting and made a presentation on drug-related issues in the Union Territory.
The police sought the support of civil society organisations and community representatives in creating greater awareness among the public about drug-related concerns.
The participation of the police in the consultative meeting brought law-and-order and social issues into the wider discussion on Ladakh’s development and administration.
Article 371 Framework Remains Under Discussion
The proposed constitutional safeguard framework remains subject to ongoing consultations between Ladakh representatives and the Centre.
The administration has emphasised that a constitutional amendment would require a formal legal and parliamentary process. The next round of discussions in October is expected to focus on the draft framework and the institutional relationship between the proposed UT-level body and existing local governance institutions.
The consultations therefore remain an important step in determining the proposed framework for constitutional safeguards covering land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources in Ladakh.
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