Centre offering Ladakh unique governance model, demand for Statehood to continue: Leh Apex Body leader
The Leh Apex Body continues to demand Statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh despite the Central government's reservations. Recent discussions with the Home Ministry have not yielded satisfactory results, as the government has offered only limited safeguards under Article 371. The leaders emphasize the need for a unique governance model that protects local interests and ensures representation.
- ▪The Central government has not agreed to grant Statehood or Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh in previous talks.
- ▪The Leh Apex Body insists on continuing their demand for Statehood, even if it is not immediately achievable.
- ▪The government has promised legislative powers at the UT level but has not clarified the titles for elected representatives.
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What were the issues discussed during the May 22 meeting with the Home Ministry? The Central government has reservations about Sixth Schedule status and also in granting Statehood to Ladakh. They never agreed to these two demands in the talks held in the past. During the last round of talks (February 4), they offered safeguards available under Article 371 A of the Constitution. On May 22, we did raise our existing demands. We said if you cannot give Statehood, then give us UT with legislature, even that was not acceptable to them as Ladakh would then have to generate its own revenue without Central assistance. The government has promised us legislature at UT level and protection under Article 371. If they do not concede to Sixth Schedule, Article 371 is acceptable.
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