10 hrs ago
Ladakh Gets Proposed Article 371 Model, Leaders Seek More Safeguards
The Indian government has suggested a special governing arrangement for Ladakh.
It would use a constitutional rule called Article 371.
Ladakh could get a directly elected body for the Union Territory.
This body would have powers over laws, administration and money.
The plan would also protect local jobs, land, culture, resources and the environment.
Some Ladakhi leaders are unhappy because they wanted stronger guarantees and a Sixth Schedule inclusion.
Sonam Wangchuk warned that protests could happen from September 19 to 24.
Another leader said the talks were positive, and more discussions are planned for October.
The Centre proposed an Article 371 constitutional provision granting Ladakh a directly elected Union Territory-level body.
The proposed body would have legislative, executive and financial powers, according to Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra.
Constitutional safeguards were proposed for Ladakhi employment, land, culture, natural resources and the environment.
The proposal appears to rule out statehood or a full-fledged legislature, although MP Mohammad Hanifa Jan described a possible future legislature.
Sonam Wangchuk warned of a September 19–24 agitation unless the Centre provides assurances, while another leader called talks positive.
- Who
- The Centre, Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Ladakhi leaders, MP Mohammad Hanifa Jan and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
- What
- The Centre proposed a special Article 371 governance model and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.
- Where
- The discussions took place in Delhi at a Ministry of Home Affairs sub-committee meeting.
- When
- The proposal was announced Thursday after a meeting on Wednesday; another meeting is planned for October, and Wangchuk warned of possible agitation from September 19 to 24.
- Why
- The proposal aims to address demands for protections covering employment, land, culture, natural resources and the environment.
Supporters of the Proposed Model
Leaders Seeking Stronger Guarantees
Governance arrangement
Supporters of the Proposed Model
Ashish Kundra said the proposal would create a unique, directly elected Union Territory-level body with legislative, executive and financial powers.
Leaders Seeking Stronger Guarantees
Ladakhi groups said the talks offered little new beyond the previous meeting and complained that the expected draft had not been produced.
Future legislature
Supporters of the Proposed Model
The proposal, as described, appears to address Ladakh’s concerns without granting statehood or a full-fledged legislature.
Leaders Seeking Stronger Guarantees
MP Mohammad Hanifa Jan said the Centre had promised a full-fledged Union Territory with a legislature once Ladakh could generate the expenses for its revenue budget.
Safeguards and public response
Supporters of the Proposed Model
The Centre presented constitutional protections for employment, land, culture, natural resources and the environment as progress toward deeper democracy.
Leaders Seeking Stronger Guarantees
Sonam Wangchuk warned of a fresh agitation and demanded assurances, including on Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule; senior leader Thupstan Chhewang described the meeting as positive and constructive.
Key facts
- Proposed constitutional provision
- A special provision under Article 371, including a new Chapter K.
- Proposed governing body
- A directly elected Union Territory-level body with legislative, executive and financial powers.
- Safeguards discussed
- Protections for employment, land, culture, natural resources and the environment.
- Parliamentary requirement
- The constitutional amendment bill would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
- Next meeting
- A further meeting is expected in October, with an advance draft hoped for beforehand.
- Proposed protest dates
- Sonam Wangchuk warned of agitation from September 19 to 24 without assurances.
Quotes
Sonam Wangchuk
Climate activist and Ladakhi campaigner
“Building on the progress made in previous meetings and taking it forward, it was proposed that constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, a special provision under Article 371, will be created, which will provide safeguards to people here”
telegraphindia.com
“We hope that by the next meeting, an advance draft will be prepared for the constitutional amendment bill. In yesterday’s (Wednesday) meeting, it was explained that the process involves Parliament, requiring a two-thirds majority”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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