Move follows local demands to bring Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule for greater constitutional autonomy (refer to the infographic).

Key Highlights of the Recent Rules and Regulations

• 85% Government Jobs Reserved for Locals: Definition of local is provided under the Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025. 
  • The reservation is in addition to the current 10% reservation for Economically weaker Sections (EWS).
• Reservation for Women in LAHDC: Reserve one-third of the seats for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC) of Leh and Kargil, through rotation.
• Language and Cultural Protection: 
  • English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi made official languages.
  • Institutional backing for promotion of Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi

What are the limitations of these regulations?

• No constitutional protection: All new rules and regulations have been enacted under Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to make regulations for UTs without the legislature. 
  • Thus, they can be amended or withdrawn by the Centre at any time
• No ban on land ownership by outsiders: This raise concerns due to the growing tourism, construction, and climate-related risks.
• No local legislature or council with law-making powers: This is in contrast to the power given to the ADCs or ARCs under the Sixth Schedule
• Limited Cultural Support: There is no clear plan to utilise local languages in schools, government, or courts.