Statehood Demand of Ladakh
Source: The Hindu
GS II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
Overview
- News in Brief
- Detailed Overview of Demand
Why in the News?
A day before Ladakh shuts down to demand constitutional safeguards and Statehood for the Union Territory, the Union Home Ministry invited civil society leaders from the region for the second round of high-powered committee dialogue.
News in Brief
- Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the two socio-political organisations spearheading the movement, are pursuing demands.
- Leh and Kargil divisions of Ladakh will observe a shutdown to reiterate four demands
- Statehood for Ladakh
- The inclusion of Ladakh in the sixth schedule of the Constitution gives it a tribal status
- Job reservation for locals
- Parliamentary seats each for Leh and Kargil.
Detailed Overview of Demand
Demand for Sixth Schedule in Ladakh
- The local tribal communities in Ladakh have been demanding the extension of the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the region.
- The main driving force behind this demand is the concern over the preservation of tribal rights and the unique cultural identity of the local communities.
- Over 97 per cent of the population of Ladakh is tribal.
Sixth Schedule
- The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- It aims to protect the interests of tribal communities and promote their self-governance within these regions.
Key features of the Sixth Schedule include:
- Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
- The Sixth Schedule establishes autonomous district councils within tribal areas.
- These councils have legislative, executive, and financial powers to govern these areas, including the power to make laws on specified subjects such as land, forests, and local government.
- Tribal Advisory Council (TAC)
- Each autonomous district council has a Tribal Advisory Council, which advises the governor of the state on matters relating to the welfare and advancement of tribal people.
- Governor’s Powers
- The governor of the state has special powers regarding the administration of tribal areas, including the power to direct that any particular act of Parliament or the state legislature shall not apply to an autonomous district or apply with specified modifications and exceptions.
- Protection of Tribal Rights
- The Sixth Schedule provides for the protection of tribal land, customs, and traditional practices within the autonomous districts.
- Constitutional Safeguards
- It ensures that laws made by the ADCs do not contravene the provisions of the Constitution, and the governor may take action if such contravention occurs.
Statehood for Ladakh
- Ladakh was separated from J&K and downgraded into a Union Territory without a legislature in 2019.
- Ladakh has since been without an elected legislature.
- Sparking concerns of political and economic disempowerment in the arid desert region bordering China and Pakistan.
- People are growingly conscious about protecting their unique identity, and heritage and leads to securing the elevation of Ladakh as a full-fledged State.
- Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council election of 2019, which the BJP won in majority, the party had promised to restore the statehood.
Parliamentary seats each for Leh and Kargil
- Ladakh is the only Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituency of the union territory of Ladakh, India.
- Now that people are protesting for separate seats for Leh and Kargil.
About Ladakh
- Ladakh, often referred to as “The Land of High Passes,” is a region located in the northernmost part of India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is known for its stunning landscapes, including rugged mountains, high-altitude desert, and pristine lakes.
- Ladakh is culturally rich, with a unique blend of Tibetan, Indian, and Central Asian influences.
- The region is home to various ethnic groups, including Ladakhi people, Tibetans, and Muslims.
- The predominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism, and Ladakh is dotted with numerous monasteries, stupas, and gompas, which serve as important cultural and religious centres.
- Leh is the largest town and the administrative capital of Ladakh.
- The region has historically been strategically significant, serving as a crucial trade route between Central Asia, Tibet, and India.
- Tourism is a significant industry in Ladakh, with visitors drawn to its breathtaking scenery, adventurous trekking routes, and vibrant cultural festivals.
- However, the harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions make life challenging for the local population, who rely primarily on agriculture and livestock rearing for their livelihoods.
- In recent years, Ladakh has seen significant geopolitical changes, particularly with the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to its reorganization into a separate Union Territory, distinct from Jammu and Kashmir.
- This move has sparked discussions and debates regarding the region’s political future, including demands for greater autonomy or statehood.
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