What are the demands for Ladakh in 6th schedule?

LADAKH CIVIL SOCIETY WANTS TO ENCOMPASSES IN 6TH SCHEDULED IT IS POSSIBLE OR NOT?

Ladakh’s civil society’s desire for inclusion in the 6th Schedule is a complicated matter that necessitates carefully weighing a number of variables, including socioeconomic, political, and legal aspects. Although Ladakh could potentially be included in the 6th Schedule, there are a number of obstacles and factors that need to be taken into account.

Ladakh has made a number of claims since becoming a Union Territory, including statehood, placement in the Sixth Schedule, and representation in parliament. Ladakh currently lacks the autonomy enjoyed by states because it is a Union Territory without a legislative assembly, which has led to requests for more political representation and empowerment.

SIGNIFICANT OF LADAKH :

• The relevance of Ladakh’s distinct demands and goals is shown by its significance on the fronts of geopolitics, strategy, economy, environment, and tourism. Ladakh is geopolitically crucial for India’s security concerns because it borders both China and Pakistan. The highest altitude position, the Siachen Glacier, represents India’s strategic domination in the area and emphasises its significance for border security.
• In addition, Ladakh has a lot of promise for tourism because it has a lot of Buddhist monuments, a rich cultural history, and a variety of adventure activities set against the stunning Himalayan scenery. The rise of tourism fosters cultural interchange and the preservation of the region’s cultural legacy in addition to contributing to the region’s economic growth.
• Ladakh has a great deal of economic potential for renewable energy resources, especially solar and wind energy. Its large open spaces and high elevation make it perfect for solar energy harvesting, and the region’s windy weather offers chances for wind energy production. By utilising these resources, the region’s economy may grow and jobs can be created, all while improving energy security.
• Furthermore, the lush valleys of Ladakh present opportunities for agricultural and horticultural development, bolstering both economic growth and food security. Its distinct habitat and immaculate surroundings also make it a useful resource for sustainable development and conservation initiatives.
• Incorporating Ladakh into the Sixth Schedule will grant the area some autonomy and self-governance, enabling it to maintain its unique cultural character and achieve its developmental goals. But given the region’s demographics, administrative capabilities, and constitutional requirements, a thorough analysis of the move’s viability and ramifications is required.
• In addition, it is essential to engage in discourse and engagement with relevant parties such as the indigenous groups, local populace, and political leaders to guarantee that any determination concerning Ladakh’s incorporation into the 6th Schedule aligns with the goals and desires of its people. To decide the viability and ramifications of such a move within the parameters of India’s federal structure, legal and constitutional issues must also be carefully evaluated.
• In conclusion, even though Ladakh’s inclusion in the 6th Schedule is a significant and interesting issue, it will take careful consideration, dialogue, and consensus-building to adequately meet the region’s particular requirements and goals. To ensure that Ladakh grows inclusively and sustainably within the Indian Union, it is necessary that the demands of development, security, governance, and cultural preservation are balanced.

WHY LADAKH WANT 6TH SCHEDULED :

• By promoting decentralised government and strengthening local autonomy, the inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution might greatly empower the area and promote socio-economic growth, all the while protecting its social norms and cultural legacy.
• The Constitution’s Article 264 grants the 6th Scheduled regions the right to establish their own Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), which are essential for local government and decision-making. The Governor appoints four members of the thirty-member ADC on the state government’s suggestion. The other twenty-six members are chosen by public vote to serve five-year terms. The democratic representation and accountability in the ADC’s operations are guaranteed by this electoral procedure.
• With regard to land, forests, canal water, shifting agriculture, village administration, and property inheritance, among other aspects of local governance, the ADC has broad authority to form courts, village councils, and enact laws. In order to represent the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the area, the ADC also has the power to enact laws pertaining to marriage, divorce, and social traditions.
• The inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule will provide the area more autonomy and decision-making power, allowing it to successfully handle regional concerns and priorities. Decentralised authority via the ADC would make it easier for local communities to get involved in governance, giving them the ability to direct their own lives and choose the path for sustainable development.
• Furthermore, Ladakh’s unique cultural legacy and social norms would be preserved and promoted by its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. The ADC would be tasked with preserving and advancing the region’s cultural identity while making sure that customs and traditions are carried on for upcoming generations. This would help the community as a whole grow and improve, giving the people living there a sense of pride and acceptance.
• The acknowledgement of Ladakh’s distinct socio-cultural and geographical attributes is emphasised by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) proposal that the region be added to the 6th Schedule. In addition to meeting the goals of the Ladakh people, putting this suggestion into practice will be in line with the Constitution’s inclusive and participatory governance principles.
• In summary, Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule has the potential to greatly empower the area through decentralised governance, protect its cultural legacy, and advance socioeconomic growth. Through the ADC, Ladakh’s local administration will have more autonomy and decision-making power, allowing it to steer towards inclusive and sustainable development while preserving its unique identity and social structure.

ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR:

• Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule may help with a number of the region’s problems, including with socioeconomic growth, governance, and maintaining its distinct cultural identity.
• Currently in charge of monitoring Ladakh is the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), which has drawn criticism for operating with less overall effectiveness and less authority than envisaged. The transfer to the 6th Schedule would increase the autonomy of the region by giving local institutions more flexibility in making choices and empowering them to address the particular needs and objectives of the local community.
• Moreover, effective governance and development attempts in Ladakh have been restricted by the absence of public engagement in decision-making processes under the current governance system. The ADC under the 6th Schedule would decentralise power, strengthening grassroots democracy and public engagement possibilities while guaranteeing local communities’ thoughts and concerns are heard and taken seriously.
• The distinctive biological terrain of Ladakh, which is made up of deserts, glaciers, and delicate ecosystems, presents serious obstacles to sustainable development. Adopting comprehensive and environmentally sustainable development strategies that prioritise the preservation and conservation of the region’s natural resources and biodiversity would be made possible by the region’s move to the 6th Schedule.
• Preserving Ladakh’s distinctive character and rich cultural legacy is another important matter that the Sixth Schedule may address. Presently, difficulties with socioeconomic development and cultural preservation are made worse by Ladakh’s lack of public service commissions and scarce employment options. Ladakh’s inclusion in the 6th Schedule would allow for the inclusion of measures to support local jobs and maintain customs and traditions, which would give the people living there a sense of pride and identity.
• Moreover, Ladakh’s fragile borders with China and Pakistan have hindered its socioeconomic development in addition to posing security risks. The adoption of the 6th Schedule may make it easier to carry out specific development programmes meant to allay security worries and encourage equitable and long-term regional growth.
• In summary, the addition of Ladakh to the Sixth Schedule has the potential to significantly improve governance, encourage sustainable development, protect cultural identity, and handle security issues. It is possible for Ladakh to steer towards inclusive and holistic development that takes into account the objectives and ambitions of its varied communities by strengthening public engagement and local institutions.

ARGUMENTS IN AGAINST:

• Although there are a number of issues that could be resolved by adding Ladakh to the 6th Schedule, there are a number of major administrative, legal, and practical obstacles that need to be overcome.
• First off, Ladakh’s inclusion is legally impeded by the fact that the Indian Constitution currently reserves the 6th Schedule for the states in the northeast. A difficult and drawn-out legislative procedure would be needed to amend the Constitution to include Ladakh in the 6th Schedule, which would cause delays in decision-making and execution.
• Moreover, Ladakh’s continuous development and investment projects in a variety of sectors would lessen the necessity for it to be included in the Sixth Schedule. The aforementioned investments are intended to tackle particular issues encountered by the area, implying that substitute measures might be undertaken to cater to Ladakh’s developmental requirements without requiring the implementation of the 6th Schedule.
• Some believe that raising the 10% to 45% reservation quota for the scheduled tribe people in Ladakh will effectively address the socioeconomic issues facing the area. By giving marginalised communities more chances and representation, this idea seeks to resolve any problems with employment, education, and political engagement.
• It is important to remember that Ladakh is not alone in wanting to be included in the Sixth Schedule. Similar claims have also been made by a number of other states, including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Orissa, Manipur, and Nagaland. These demands, which highlight more significant structural challenges that require attention, are motivated by a desire for increased autonomy, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic progress.
• Although there may be advantages to include Ladakh in the 6th Schedule, it is important to thoroughly analyse the administrative, legal, and practical implications. Other approaches, such focused investments, higher reservation quotas, and administrative reforms, might provide workable answers to Ladakh’s problems without asking for changes to the constitution.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there are a number of logistical, administrative, and legal obstacles to Ladakh’s inclusion in the 6th Schedule, despite the fact that it may help address some of its particular problems. Policymakers must use a thorough and nuanced approach that takes into account the unique circumstances and constraints of Ladakh as they weigh their alternatives for addressing the region’s developmental needs and ambitions. Empowering Ladakh’s inhabitants, protecting its cultural legacy, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development should be the ultimate objectives.

Note: Home ministry was sympathetic to the concerns of the people on land, jobs and culture and said these can be addressed through special provisions under Article 371. The government was willing to reserve up to 80% of the jobs in the region for local people.

Source of Information :

The Whole analysis is based on Education reformist Sonam Wangchuk takes part in a sit-in protest with other protestors from Ladakh & Indian news websites such as The Hindu, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Indian Express often cover developments related to constitutional amendments, regional autonomy, and government policies!

1. The Hindu: Article Title: MHA to examine Sixth Schedule inclusion and statehood for Ladakh

2. Indian Express: Article Title: Explained: Ladakh, Article 371, and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

3. The Economic Times: Article Title: Govt agrees to discuss demands for Ladakh’s statehood, inclusion in 6th Schedule