“Ladakh’s governance dilemma highlights the challenge of balancing local aspirations and national security imperatives. Critically analyse the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh in this context.

Ladakh, carved out as a Union Territory (UT) in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, has since witnessed growing political unrest. Local groups such as the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard land, identity, and resources.

Significance of Ladakh for India:

• Geopolitical Significance:
  • Borders China (Tibet) and Pakistan (PoK/Gilgit-Baltistan), serving as a buffer zone.
  • Strategic passes such as Khardung La, Zoji La are crucial for connectivity.
• Strategic & Security Importance:
  • Post-Galwan clashes (2020), Ladakh is among the most militarised regions globally. Infrastructure build-up (roads, airstrips, tunnels) is critical for national defence.
• Environmental Fragility:
  • Glacial ecology and rivers (Indus, Shyok, Zanskar) sustain livelihoods.
  • Activities such as mining and over-tourism poses livelihood risks

Arguments in favour of Statehood & Sixth Schedule:

• Democratic Deficit:
  • Post-2019, Ladakh lost its legislature while governance rests with LG and bureaucrats.
  • LAHDCs are reduced to advisory roles while locals feel dispossessed.
• Tribal & Cultural Safeguards:
  • Sixth Schedule provides land, cultural, and resource rights to tribal-majority regions. There is a fear of demographic change after loss of Article 370 protections.
• Ecological Protection: Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem demands community-based governance to regulate land and resources.
• Localised Economic Development: Youth unemployment at 26.5% is pushing the demand for domicile-based jobs.
• Security & Integration: Local empowerment builds trust with Centre and prevents alienation in a border-sensitive region.

Arguments Against Statehood & Sixth Schedule:

• Security Imperatives: UT status ensures direct Centre control in a border-sensitive zone with China & Pakistan while Statehood may complicate coordination of defence and diplomacy.
• Constitutional & Legal Constraints: Sixth Schedule is originally meant for NE states, but Ladakh falls under Fifth Schedule norms. It would require constitutional amendment.
• Administrative Complexity: Multiple autonomous councils may delay decision-making in an already remote region.
• Economic Restrictions: Sixth Schedule restrictions on land/resource use could deter investment in renewable energy and infrastructure.
• Precedent Risk: May trigger similar demands from other tribal-majority regions in India.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthen LAHDCs: Expand legislative and executive powers and devolve authority over land, resources, and cultural preservation.
2. Hybrid Governance Model: Consider a special Ladakh governance act under Article 240, granting limited legislative autonomy while retaining central control over defence.
3. Employment & Economic Measures: Establish Ladakh Public Service Commission (LPSC) for domicile-based recruitment and promote renewable energy projects with local ownership.
4. Dialogue & Trust-Building
   1. Institutionalise dialogue between LAB, KDA, Centre, and Army.
   1. Avoid overuse of laws like NSA against activists (e.g., Sonam Wangchuk case, 2025 protests).

Conclusion:

A phased, consultative model, strengthening LAHDCs, ensuring jobs, ecological safeguards, and creating inclusive institutions is the best way forward.

‘+1’ Value Addition:

• 97% of Ladakhis are Scheduled Tribes.
• Graduate unemployment in Ladakh is 26.5%, vs national average of 12%.
• Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025 increased ST reservation to 80% under the total cap to 85%.

La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.

FOLLOW US ON:

◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam

◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS

◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/

GET IN TOUCH:

Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/

or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140

OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020

Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524,  Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081

Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040