Chronicle: Nurturing talents since 1990

Chronicle India is an initiative of Chronicle Magazine, dedicated to preparing aspirants for UPSC & State PSCs, Banking, SSC, Railways, Police, and other upcoming Government examinations.

Article 371(K): Proposed Constitutional Safeguards for Ladakh

Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) discussed a proposal to introduce Article 371(K) to provide Ladakh with constitutional safeguards and a directly elected governing body.

What is Article 371(K)?

Article 371 comprises special constitutional provisions for specific States and regions, currently extending from Articles 371 to 371J.
Article 371(K) does not presently exist. Its creation would require a constitutional amendment.
The proposed provision seeks to establish a sui generis governance framework tailored to Ladakh’s unique geographical, cultural and socio-economic conditions.

Proposed Governance Framework

The proposed body would:

Be directly elected, enhancing democratic representation.
Have legislative powers over land, culture and language, forests, environment and natural resources.
Potentially exercise legislative powers over additional matters presently administered by the Union Territory under Article 240.

Why Constitutional Safeguards for Ladakh?

Political Representation: No elected legislature since becoming a Union Territory (UT) in 2019.
Land & Jobs: Demand for safeguards against external pressures on land and employment.
Cultural Protection: Need to preserve Ladakh’s unique tribal, linguistic and cultural identity.
Greater Autonomy: Demands include statehood, Sixth Schedule protection and greater political representation.