Ladakh Measures and Concerns
The measures announced by the Centre on June 3, 2025, aim to address concerns in Ladakh about language, culture, and land after its bifurcation from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in 2019.
Key Provisions
- Reservation: Up to 85% reservation for indigenous people in government jobs.
- Domicile Criteria:
- Continuous 15-year stay in Ladakh from 2019 is required to be considered a domicile.
- Migrants post-2019 will be eligible for domicile status only after 2034.
- Hill Councils: One-third of the seats will be reserved for women.
- Official Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi.
Comparative Context
- In Northeast States like Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, reservations for indigenous people in jobs exceed 80%.
- In J&K, the domicile policy allows anyone with 15 years as a registered migrant to be eligible.
Local Demands and Issues
- Demands for full Statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for tribal protection.
- Requests for a second Lok Sabha seat and a public service commission.
- Constitutional safeguards to protect identity, culture, and land are crucial due to a population of 2.74 lakh (2011 Census).
- Job scarcity and unfilled 1,275 gazetted posts since 2019 have fueled protests.
Strategic Importance
Ladakh's location at the crossroads of India, Pakistan, and China, with existing border disputes, underscores the need for New Delhi to be attentive to regional sentiments.
