Ladakh Approves Seven Autonomous Councils for Grassroots Governance

Ladakh approved local councils for all seven of its districts.

These councils are called Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils.

They will operate in Leh, Kargil, Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass.

Earlier, this type of elected local government existed only in Leh and Kargil.

The five other districts were newly created.

The councils are meant to help people have a stronger voice in local development and administration.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena called the decision an important step.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Elections for the new councils will happen later, after another formal notification.