Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

Ladakh, carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019 after the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir, has been demanding Sixth Schedule protections to safeguard its tribal and cultural identity. The region, strategically located along the borders with China and Pakistan, is home to largely tribal communities. The demand highlights the delicate balance between national integration and regional autonomy, raising concerns about governance, development, and security in a geopolitically sensitive area.

Body :

Need for Sixth Schedule Protections

• Political Autonomy: Ladakh, a UT without a legislature since 2019, lacks elected representatives and legislative powers.
• Tribal Identity & Culture: Over 97% of the population belongs to Scheduled Tribes; the Sixth Schedule safeguards customs, land rights, and cultural heritage.
• Preservation of Land & Resources: Fragile ecosystems with glaciers, alpine meadows, and endangered species require protection against overpopulation and industrial pressures.
• Local Economic Development: Sixth Schedule status ensures targeted infrastructure, education, employment, and healthcare, addressing high graduate unemployment (26.5%).
• Security & Strategic Autonomy: Governance must balance regional autonomy with national security on disputed borders.

Challenges in Granting Sixth Schedule Protections

• Legal Hurdles: The Sixth Schedule is intended for the Northeast tribal areas; applying it to Ladakh requires a constitutional amendment.
• Administrative Complexity: Additional bureaucratic layers may slow decision-making in a remote, strategic region.
• Existing Development Support: UT already receives substantial funds and enhanced reservations (ST reservation at 80% as of 2025).
• Economic Growth Concerns: Restrictions on land use and resources may deter investments and infrastructure projects.
• Precedent Risk: Granting the Sixth Schedule could encourage similar demands from other tribal regions, complicating federal governance.

Way Forward

• Expand LAHDC powers for local governance, resource management, and cultural preservation.
• Grant special legislative status under Article 240 with local law-making powers.
• Explore a tailored Sixth Schedule framework for autonomy with accountability.
• Increase financial devolution and development grants for sustainable infrastructure and jobs.
• Establish a Ladakh Public Service Commission (LPSC) for domicile-based recruitment.
• Institutionalise dialogue and conflict resolution platforms with local and central bodies.
• Implement legal safeguards to protect cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems

Conclusion:

Ladakh’s demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and greater autonomy reflect the need for inclusive governance, cultural preservation, and sustainable development while safeguarding national security. A phased, consultative approach—strengthening LAHDCs, ensuring local employment, and promoting ecological balance—offers the best way forward, echoing Gandhi’s words: “The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not enough for everyone’s greed.”