From The Hindu · Vijaita Singh · · 2m
Centre proposes L-G veto power over Ladakh's elected body
A draft constitutional framework gives Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor final say on all laws made by a new territory-wide elected body.
In brief
A draft constitutional framework gives Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor final say on all laws made by a new territory-wide elected body. The Centre has proposed that Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor hold final authority over regulations made by a new elected body for the territory, as part of a constitutional framework being…
L-G gets final say on Ladakh laws
The Centre's draft constitutional framework says Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor would hold final authority over all regulations made by a new territory-wide elected body.
“every regulation (law) made by the U.T.-level body would go to the Lt. Governor and would take effect after his assent”
Two local groups shape the proposal
Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance sit on a high-level committee formed by the Centre in twenty twenty-three to design constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.
Why this matters for Ladakh
Ladakh became a union territory after Article three seventy's applicability was revoked in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir in twenty nineteen.
New constitutional provision planned
The Ministry of Home Affairs proposed an elected body for Ladakh by introducing a new constitutional provision under Article three seventy-one in a proposed Chapter K of the Constitution.
How constituencies will be drawn
The draft asks whether delimitation will be done by an election authority or a Delimitation Commission, and whether it will be population-based or use multiple factors including area, panchayat boundaries and seasonal inaccessibility.
Women's representation options
The draft explores reserving one-third or up to fifty percent of seats for women, and whether such reservation should apply only to elected seats or extend to nominated positions as well.
Broader governance powers proposed
The new constitutional amendment would create a special governance framework giving the elected body and existing Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils powers over land, culture, heritage, forests, environment and natural resources.
Key institutional questions remain
The draft seeks views on whether LAHDCs should have constitutional status, whether body members should be elected directly or indirectly, and what role MPs and LAHDC councillors should play.
Next steps after this week's meeting
Once constitutional and institutional choices are settled, the Centre plans to revise the constitutional amendment and proposed regulation into a coherent package with detailed implementation plans.
“The principal task at this stage is to settle the constitutional and institutional choices that determine the coherence of the entire framework”
What it means
The Centre has proposed that Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor hold final authority over regulations made by a new elected body for the territory, as part of a constitutional framework being discussed with local groups.
