The Union Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled a comprehensive draft constitutional framework on Friday, proposing the insertion of Chapter K under Article 371 of the Constitution of India to establish specialized governance, land, and cultural safeguards for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The legislative initiative emerged from successive consultative sessions between central negotiators and regional delegations representing the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Under the proposed constitutional mechanism, Ladakh would receive statutory protections analogous to those enjoyed by northeastern states, granting elected autonomous hill councils binding authority over local land transfers, natural resource management, and employment quotas.
While civil society representatives reiterated their longstanding aspirations for comprehensive statehood and Sixth Schedule enumeration, home ministry officials maintained that Article 371K offers a balanced, workable compromise that protects delicate Himalayan ecosystems and tribal identities without altering national security imperatives along strategic borders. Formal parliamentary introduction is expected during the upcoming winter legislative session.
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