President promulgates hill council regulation

President Droupadi Murmu promulgated the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Amendment Regulation two thousand twenty-six on October sixteenth, enabling elections to eight hill councils across Ladakh's eight districts.

Record implementation time of six days

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena called the regulation historic, saying it was implemented in a record time of just six days. The Union Cabinet approved the amendments on October fourteenth.

“It was implemented in a record time of just six days”

Councils now cover all eight districts including Sankoo

The regulation paves the way for creation of LAHDC in all eight districts of Ladakh, including the newly created Sankoo district. Previously, Ladakh had only two hill councils in Kargil and Leh.

Seat numbers and representation change

The amended regulation reduces constituencies from twenty-six seats in each council to a minimum of seven and maximum of twenty-four seats. It provides for nomination of four members from women and unrepresented communities.

Saxena credits Modi and Shah

The Lieutenant Governor thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the landmark regulation, saying it will strengthen grassroots democracy, enhance local representation and promote inclusivity.

Civil society questions timing of changes

The Kargil Democratic Alliance questioned the timing, saying the government made substantial changes to council composition and powers without consulting stakeholders while statehood negotiations are ongoing.

KDA warns of weakened autonomy

KDA member Sajjad Kargilli said the changes raise serious questions about government commitment to dialogue and whether a settlement will secure meaningful autonomy for Ladakh or leave institutions subject to executive discretion.

“This raises serious questions about the government's commitment to the ongoing dialogue”