Centre Notifies Key Safeguards for Ladakh

In June 2025, the Government of India notified a new legal framework for Ladakh addressing concerns over jobs, reservations, and cultural identity through key regulatory amendments.

Key Points

Domicile-Based Jobs: To qualify for government jobs in Ladakh, a person must reside in the region for 15 years, or study there for 7 years and appear for Class 10/12 exams.
Reservation Cap at 85%: The total quota for Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, and other backward groups is now capped at 85%, excluding the EWS quota, effectively ensuring wide representation of Ladakh’s 90% tribal population.
Women’s Political Representation: A new regulation mandates one-third reservation for women in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) through rotating constituencies.
Cultural Safeguards: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi declared official languages. Institutional support is planned to promote local dialects like Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi.
Pending Demands: The framework does not address land ownership restrictions or provide Sixth Schedule status and legislative autonomy.