Ladakh’s Statehood Demand
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: BBC
Context: In Ladakh, thousands are protesting in sub-zero temperatures demanding statehood job opportunities, land protection, and parliamentary representation.
Background:
In 2019, the Government revoked Article 370, removing special status from Jammu and Kashmir, dividing it into Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. A year later, Leh and Kargil districts formed the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to address public concerns.
Demands of Ladakh:
• Statehood for Ladakh: Seeking to elevate Ladakh from its current Union Territory status to a full-fledged state, granting it greater political autonomy and decision-making powers
• Reservation of Jobs: The Ladakh administration responded to youth demands by increasing ST reservation in direct recruitment from 10% to 45% in 2023
• Creation of Separate Parliamentary Constituencies: Demanding the establishment of distinct Parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil, reflecting the unique demographic and geographical characteristics of each region.
• Ladakh’s demand for the 6th Schedule: Last year, in 2023, a high-powered committee was formed in Ladakh to address growing demands for its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Civil society groups seek protection of land, resources, and employment after Article 370’s revocation. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes had previously recommended Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule due to its tribal majority and unique cultural heritage.
About 6th Schedule:
The Sixth Schedule, outlined in Article 244, establishes autonomous administrative divisions known as Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) within certain states. Currently, it applies to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Each autonomous district has a council with legislative, judicial, and administrative powers, including lawmaking on various matters such as land, forests, and village administration. The governor organizes these districts, appointing some council members while others are elected. The councils can also manage local infrastructure and collect revenue
About Ladakh
It is a region administered by India as a union territory, and is located in the larger Kashmir region. It borders Tibet, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and China. Ladakh holds strategic importance, historically serving as a trade hub. Leh and Kargil are the largest towns, with diverse religious groups including Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus. Established as a union territory in 2019, Ladakh is sparsely populated and shares cultural ties with Tibet. It is estimated that more than 90% of Ladakh’s population is tribal. The primary Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Ladakh are Balti Beda, Bot (or Boto), Brokpa (or Drokpa, Dard, Shin), Changpa, Garra, Mon and Purigpa
Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void? (UPSC 2019)
(a) Third Schedule (b) Fifth Schedule (c) Ninth Schedule (d) Twelfth Schedule
Ans: B