Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra
By Tehelka Web Desk
Leh, Sept 22: Ladakh is working on a new constitutional safeguard framework under Article 371 to address the Union Territory’s specific requirements, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said on Tuesday.
Kundra said the draft framework would be discussed at the next meeting between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs, proposed to be held in the first week of October.
“A new model is being worked out considering the aspiration of the Ladakhis which does not exist anywhere else in the country. The draft would be discussed in the next meeting (of the Ladakh representatives and Ministry of Home Affairs) proposed to be held in the first week of October,” he said at a consultative meeting with civil society members in Leh.
The Centre has proposed inserting a new Chapter K under Article 371 of the Constitution to provide special safeguards for Ladakh.
The proposed framework is expected to address issues including land rights, employment, culture, environment and natural resources. Kundra said there was broad agreement on the need for constitutional protection for the Union Territory.
“The important thing is that constitutional protection is required for Ladakh. The protection should cover our land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources,” he said.
The Chief Secretary said direct elections to the proposed UT-level body were among the key suggestions emerging from the ongoing discussions between the Centre and Ladakh representatives.
He said further steps, including consideration of the proposed constitutional amendment by Parliament, would follow once consensus was reached on the framework.
Kundra also said separate legislation would subsequently be required to lay down detailed provisions concerning the powers, functions and institutional arrangements of the proposed body.
The meeting discussed several administrative, developmental and political issues concerning Ladakh, including constitutional safeguards, land rights, employment, culture, environment, education and drug abuse.
Kundra also highlighted recent administrative initiatives, including strengthening the district-level administrative structure, posting of officers in districts, upgrading hospitals to district hospitals and progress towards Panchayat elections.
He said Ladakh had recorded more than four lakh tourist arrivals so far this year, compared with around 3.35 lakh during the whole of the previous year.
Ladakh Director General of Police Anand Jain also made a presentation on drug-related issues and sought the support of civil society members in creating awareness among the public.
