Ladakh talks on Oct 15 to focus on powers of elected body, proposed governance model

The upcoming round of talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ladakh representatives is scheduled for October 15, according to official sources. The discussions come in the wake of deliberations on an additional constitutional provision and a proposed unique governance model for the Union Territory of Ladakh. Following the latest round of talks in Delhi, the Ladakh administration suggested a new governance arrangement that is distinct from both a state and a UT with a legislature.

This novel model would require a constitutional amendment, which the MHA has committed to introducing.

During a meeting on September 9, the MHA sent a set of questions to representatives from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, the two main organizations advocating for enhanced democratic representation in Ladakh. The questions sought information on the proposed UT-level governance body, focusing on its structure, composition, and powers.

The MHA requested specifics on seven key issues, ranging from the body's formal name and composition to its relationship with existing Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs).

The MHA has also asked representatives to deliberate on the functions that should be exercised by the UT-level body for uniformity, coordinated development, and effective administration, as well as those that should remain at the district level to safeguard local interests. Additionally, the ministry seeks clarity on the principles guiding power allocation between the UT-level body and LAHDCs, as well as which subjects should fall under the body's purview while adhering to the Constitution's basic structure.

The sub-committee members are also asked to determine whether a unique model for Ladakh would require a legal opinion.

These concerns are expected to be central to the discussions between the two groups on October 15. Since the democratic representation movement gained momentum, Ladakh's representatives have advocated for four key demands: statehood for Ladakh, safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, job reservation for the youth, and separate parliamentary constituencies for the two regions within the territory.