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Article 371(K): Proposed Constitutional Safeguards for Ladakh

  • 12 Sep 2026

Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) discussed a proposal to introduce Article 371(K) to provide Ladakh with constitutional safeguards and a directly elected governing body.

What is Article 371(K)?

  • Article 371 comprises special constitutional provisions for specific States and regions, currently extending from Articles 371 to 371J.
  • Article 371(K) does not presently exist. Its creation would require a constitutional amendment.
  • The proposed provision seeks to establish a sui generis governance framework tailored to Ladakh’s unique geographical, cultural and socio-economic conditions.

Proposed Governance Framework

The proposed body would:

  • Be directly elected, enhancing democratic representation.
  • Have legislative powers over land, culture and language, forests, environment and natural resources.
  • Potentially exercise legislative powers over additional matters presently administered by the Union Territory under Article 240.

Why Constitutional Safeguards for Ladakh?

  • Political Representation: No elected legislature since becoming a Union Territory (UT) in 2019.
  • Land & Jobs: Demand for safeguards against external pressures on land and employment.
  • Cultural Protection: Need to preserve Ladakh’s unique tribal, linguistic and cultural identity.
  • Greater Autonomy: Demands include statehood, Sixth Schedule protection and greater political representation.