Centre promises to reserve 95% jobs for locals in Ladakh

In a major breakthrough following years of protests and strikes, the Union Government has agreed to give 95% reservation for Ladakh locals in all jobs. The government has also assured stakeholders of a discussion on Sixth Schedule and statehood for the Union Territory next month.

During a meeting with the delegates of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), comprising of social, political and religious leaders, the Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai assured that all four demands presented by them will be discussed.

As an immediate measure, the government has agreed to make Bhoti and Urdu official languages of Ladakh, allocate one-third reservation for women in both Hill Councils, increase the reservation limit for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and restore Ladakh’s budgetary allocation.

Sources revealed that the government has also promised to address land-related concerns, review 22 pending laws to address local needs and expedite the creation of five new districts. Discussions also covered issues related to wildlife areas and the draft framework for constitutional safeguards.

The LAB and KDA’s four-point agenda includes the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, statehood, a separate Public Service Commission (PSC), and two Parliamentary seats for Ladakh (as opposed to the current single seat). Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan and Chief Executive Councillors from Leh and Kargil Hill Councils attended the meeting.

Chering Dorje Lakrook, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and LAB member, said, “The government has assured that recruitment for gazetted posts in Ladakh will be conducted through UPSC for now, until a separate PSC is established for the Union Territory.”

He added, “We are demanding a separate PSC from the Home Ministry. While this decision is a positive step, we await further action. The Union Minister and Home Secretary have assured us that the remaining demands will be discussed during the next meeting scheduled for January.”

Sajjad Kargili, a member of the KDA, stated, “Today’s meeting was highly productive, as the Government of India has agreed to consider the four-point agenda proposed by the KDA and LAB.”

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and MoS Home Nityanand Rai, Kargili highlighted key commitments, including the job reservation, women’s reservation in LAHDC, and the recognition of Bhoti and Urdu as official languages. He added, “We have recommended the inclusion of Purgi, Shina, and Balti as official languages as well. The next meeting is scheduled for January 15.”