Statehood, 6th Schedule: Apex Body Leh, KDA submit detailed draft to Home Ministry

Leh, Jan 22: Following the meeting of Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance with Home Ministry on December 4, the Apex and the KDA submitted the draft of the demands to the Home ministry for further talk on January 16.
The submitted draft by the Apex and the Kargil Democratic Alliance encompasses key demands, emphasizing the following:
Statehood for Ladakh: Given Ladakh’s historical, strategic, and environmental significance, along with its similarity to other states in the North East, the demand for Ladakh to be granted statehood is paramount. This move aims to enhance political representation, empower locals, and allow them to manifest their aspirations within the democratic framework.
Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh: Recognizing Ladakh as a tribal majority area with a delicate environment, the proposal seeks to bring Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. This step ensures special protections for the land rights of the Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh and enables the formulation of laws aligned with the unique requirements of the region, considering the centrality of land to community identity, history, and culture.
Public Service Commission for Ladakh: Highlighting a gap in the Reorganization Act of Jammu and Kashmir, the demand advocates for the establishment of a Ladakh Public Service Commission.
This commission would address the limited opportunities for gazetted posts available to students from Ladakh, thereby ensuring robust institutions for both gazetted and non-gazetted jobs.
Member of Parliament and Rajya Sabha: Recognizing the need for increased representation, the proposal urges the enhancement of Ladakh’s current one seat in the Member of Parliament to two.
Additionally, when an assembly is established for Ladakh, the demand includes securing seats for Ladakh in the Rajya Sabha.
The submitted comprehensive draft, accompanied by a template Act for the State of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, outlines amendments to the Constitution and the J&K Reorganization Act to accommodate the proposed demands.
The Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance express optimism for forthcoming meetings, anticipating the timely fulfillment of the genuine demands of the people of Ladakh.