Ladakh, Centre reach 'in-principle' consensus on governance model

Srinagar: The representatives of Ladakh on Friday said they had reached an in-principle understanding with the Government of India on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Article 371A, 371F and 371G, as applicable to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram.

A sub-committee comprising representatives of the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, including Chering Dorjay Lakruk, Sonam Wangchuk, Asgar Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, met officials of the Union Home Ministry in Delhi to deliberate on the future administrative and political framework of Ladakh.

"Following detailed and constructive deliberations, both sides have arrived at an in-principle understanding on several critical points. In this model, the legislative, executive and financial powers will rest with elected representatives through a Union Territory-level legislative body. All bureaucrats of the UT, including the Chief Secretary, will come under the executive head of the UT-level elected body, proposed to be the Chief Minister," read the joint statement issued by KDA and ABL. "We have reached an in-principle understanding and will now prepare a draft proposal. The MHA will also prepare its draft. The next date of the meeting has not been decided yet," Lakruk told ET.


During the meeting, KDA and ABL reiterated their long-standing demand for statehood and inclusion under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.The representatives of Ladakh said MHA officials explained that the only reason Ladakh cannot be granted statehood at present is its lack of adequate revenue generation to meet expenditure commitments such as salaries of government employees. "However, the proposed set-up will lead Ladakh towards full statehood as and when it meets the revenue criteria," the statement added.