Centre proposes Lieutenant Governor as final authority for new Ladakh body

Proposal Details

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed that the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh will be the final authority on any regulation made by a proposed Union Territory-level elected body. In a 32-page draft titled "Constitutional and Statutory Framework", the Ministry stated that every regulation made by this body will require the assent of the Lieutenant Governor to take effect. The draft was presented during meetings held in Delhi on May 22 and September 9 with two civil society groups, the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. These groups are part of a high-level committee formed to discuss constitutional safeguards for the region.

Governance And Structure

The draft proposes creating a special governance framework for Ladakh by adding a new Article under Article 371 in Chapter "K" of the Constitution. This framework would grant constitutional status to a Union Territory-wide elected body, alongside the existing Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils in each district. The body would hold powers regarding regulation-making, executive functions, planning, and finances in areas such as land, culture, forests, environment, natural resources, and budgeting. The document also explores options for women's representation, including reserving one-third or up to 50% of the seats for women, and asks whether this should apply to elected or nominated positions as well. Additionally, the draft raises questions on whether constituency delimitation should be handled by an election authority or a Delimitation Commission, and whether it should be based on population, area, or other factors like seasonal inaccessibility.

Context

Ladakh became a separate Union Territory following the revocation of Article 370 in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. Discussions between the Centre and local civil society groups aim to address regional demands for constitutional protections and local governance rights.