Article 371 framework for Ladakh to cover land, jobs, culture, environment

With Ladakh’s demands for safeguards continuing to shape discussions over its governance, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has said the Administration is working on a new Article 371 framework tailored to the region’s specific needs.

The proposed model seeks protection for land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources, while direct elections to a UT-level body have emerged as a key suggestion during consultations with civil society representatives.

Kundra on Tuesday convened a consultative meeting with members of civil society from Ladakh to discuss key administrative, developmental and political issues concerning the Union Territory, including constitutional safeguards, land rights, employment, culture, environment, education, drug abuse and other matters of public importance.

The interaction was attended by prominent members of the community representing diverse backgrounds and sections of society, including H.E. Palga Rinpoche, Deldan Namgyal, Former MLA, Rigzin Dorjay from the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Mohd. Shafi from Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, Rev. Dechen Chamga from the Christian Association, Morup Namgyal, Chewang Norphel, Honorary Captain Tashi Tsepel, Tsewang Namgyal, former Ambassador, and Kunzes Dolma from the Women’s Forum.

Kundra informed the participants that a new framework is being worked out under Article 371 to provide constitutional safeguards suited to the specific requirements of Ladakh. He said, “A new model is being worked out considering the aspiration of the Ladakhis which does not exist anywhere else in the country.” He further said that the draft would be discussed in the next meeting proposed to be held in the first week of October.

Further steps, including consideration of the proposed constitutional amendment by Parliament, would follow after consensus is reached on the framework. He also explained that a separate legislation would subsequently be required to provide detailed provisions regarding the powers, functions and institutional arrangements of the proposed body.

The meeting also featured presentations on a range of developmental and social issues concerning Ladakh. DGP Ladakh Anand Jain, on behalf of the Ladakh Police, made a presentation on drug-related issues and sought the support of civil society members in creating awareness among the masses. He expressed grave concern over the rising number of drug-related cases in Ladakh.

Several participants appreciated and thanked the UT Administration and the Chief Secretary for facilitating the interaction and suggested that such consultative meetings should be held regularly in the future.