The Government of India has rolled out a set of new regulations aimed at addressing the long-pending concerns of the people of Ladakh regarding employment, land rights, and the preservation of their distinct cultural identity. These regulations come in response to growing demands for autonomy following Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and its establishment as a Union Territory.
Key Regulatory Measures Introduced
On June 2 and 3, 2025, the central government announced five major regulations designed specifically for Ladakh:
Civil Services Recruitment Regulation - The Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, now requires candidates for government jobs to meet specific domicile criteria. Eligible domiciles include individuals who have resided in Ladakh for at least 15 years or those who have completed their education within the region.
Domicile Certification Process - The Ladakh Civil Services Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025, provide guidelines for acquiring a domicile certificate. The local tehsildar will be responsible for issuing the certificate, while any appeals will be handled by the Deputy Commissioner. The process can be completed both online and offline.
Reservation Policy Expansion - The Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, increases the cap on reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs, and other backward categories from 50% to 85%. This applies to both government jobs and admissions into professional educational institutions.
Recognition of Official Languages - Through the Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025, five languages English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi have been granted official status. Additionally, local dialects like Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi will receive preservation support, reflecting an emphasis on protecting Ladakh’s rich linguistic heritage.
Women’s Representation in Local Councils - The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, mandates that one-third of seats in both Leh and Kargil Hill Councils be reserved for women, aiming to boost their participation in local governance.
Importance Of These Legal Measures
These new regulations mark the first dedicated legal framework crafted for Ladakh since it became a Union Territory. They directly address key concerns of the local population—such as job security, cultural recognition, and inclusivity in governance. However, these policies stop short of delivering constitutional safeguards or placing restrictions on land ownership by outsiders, which are among the top demands from local communities.
Gaps And Limitations
Despite their significance, the regulations have several shortcomings:
They lack constitutional status, making them vulnerable to future amendments by the central government.
There are no land protection clauses preventing non-domiciles from purchasing land in Ladakh.
The absence of a locally elected legislative assembly limits the region's ability to exercise greater self-governance.
Way Forward: Local Sentiment And Advocacy
While the new measures are seen as a step in the right direction, many local leaders remain cautiously hopeful. Civil society groups and political representatives continue to push for greater autonomy, particularly through inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which offers protection to tribal regions.
Negotiations with the central government are expected to continue as Ladakhi communities seek stronger safeguards for their land, resources, and cultural legacy.
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