NCST urges Government to include Ladakh under Sixth Schedule

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has recommended the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

• The newly created Union Territory of Ladakh is predominantly a tribal region, with a total tribal population of approximately 97%.
• People in Ladakh had certain agrarian rights including land rights, which restricted the purchase of land in Ladakh by people from the rest of the country.
• Ladakh has several distinct cultural heritages, which need to be preserved and promoted.
• Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, will allow;

(a) Democratic devolution of powers,

(b) Preservation and promotion of culture,