Ladakh Protests: Statehood & Sixth Schedule Demand

Ladakh’s protest for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution became violent in Leh amid dissatisfaction with central regulations under Article 240.

Understanding Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram through the creation of autonomous councils and regions.
This schedule, enacted under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1), aims to protect the rights, culture, and resources of tribal communities by granting them significant autonomy in areas like land, forests, and governance, while also safeguarding them from exploitation.
Under the Sixth Schedule, the tribal areas are constituted as autonomous districts. The governor is empowered to organise and reorganise the autonomous districts.
- If there are different tribes in an autonomous district, the governor can divide the district into several autonomous regions. Each autonomous region also has a separate regional council.
Article 244 provides for the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) that have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state.
It further consists of a district council which consists of 30 members, of whom the Governor nominates four, and the remaining 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise.

Read in depth about Sixth Schedule.

Legislative Deficit: Since 2019, Ladakh has had no legislative assembly. It has reduced democratic participation and shifted power from elected representatives to central officials.
Constitutional Security: The regulations under Article 240 are revocable executive orders. In contrast, the Sixth Schedule guarantees tribal autonomy and legislative rights.
Land Ownership: Without limits on outsider ownership, the tribal population faces ecological threats from unchecked commercial tourism and resource exploitation.
Unemployment: The graduate unemployment rate of 26.5 per cent, along with the absence of a Public Service Commission, increases discontent, even with the new 85 per cent domicile reservations.
Cultural Identity: Although the Bhoti and Purgi languages have been recognised, their lack of integration into education and governance weakens the protection of Ladakh’s tribal identity.

Voice in Governance: Reconstitution as a UT has led to concerns about the loss of local autonomy and representation in decision-making processes. Further, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has been left with minimal powers.
Border Sensitivity: With both China and Pakistan as India’s neighbours, involving local communities in strategic development is crucial.
Jobs and Development: Absence of a public service commission and lack of a comprehensive job policy has created a sense of anger among the youths.
- The Sixth Schedule will facilitate the formulation of locally relevant development initiatives, leading to improved socio-economic outcomes.
Strengthening of Democratic Institutions: The establishment of autonomous councils would strengthen democratic institutions at the grassroots level.
Protecting Culture: Almost 97% of Ladakh’s people are tribals. Sixth Schedule status can legally preserve their traditions and way of life.

Constitutional Limits: The IndianConstitution explicitly reserves the Sixth Schedule for the Northeast region, while tribal areas in other parts of the country are covered under the Fifth Schedule.
Slower Governance: It could add complexity to the region’s governance structure, potentially leading to administrative challenges and delays in decision-making processes
Growth Constraints: Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule could hinder Ladakh’s economic development by imposing restrictions on land use, resource exploitation, and investment opportunities.

The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes in any state except the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Ladakh is a mountainous region sandwiched between the Karakoram Range in the North and the Himalayan Range in the South. It hosts India’s highest-altitude borders with both Pakistan and China.
It is composed of two districts-
1. Leh – It is the 2nd largest district of India by area, following Kutch in Gujarat.
2. Kargil – It lies near the Line of Control; includes the remote, high-altitude Zanskar Valley.
About 97% of Ladakh’s population is Scheduled Tribes, making it India’s most tribal Union Territory, characterised by a blend of Buddhist and Muslim cultures.
Ladakh, known as India’s “cold desert,” features Umling La, the highest motorable pass in the world, and the Siachen Glacier, the second-longest non-polar glacier worldwide.
Since 2019, Ladakh has operated as a Union Territory without a legislature. It is managed through the Leh and Kargil Hill Development Councils with limited autonomy.

Solar Power Potential: Ladakh receives some of the highest levels of solar radiation in India, making it ideal for renewable energy generation.
Geothermal Energy: Areas like Puga and Chumathang in Eastern Ladakh have significant geothermal potential that could power small settlements and army bases.
Tourism Hub: Known as “Lama Land” or “Little Tibet,” Ladakh attracts tourists with trekking, mountaineering, and its Buddhist monasteries.
Strategic Connectivity: The passes of Ladakh link Central Asia, South Asia, and China, offering vital trade and market access routes.
Geopolitical Value: It is located on the ancient Silk Route, which played a very vital role in the development of culture, religion, philosophy, trade, and commerce in the past.
Geostrategic Importance: The region’s resources and location fuel conflicts with Pakistan (Siachen) and China (Aksai Chin).

Hemis Monastery: Believed to be the most prominent and wealthiest monastery of Ladakh and is hidden inside a gorge-like formation.
Zangla Monastery: Located in the Zangla area of the Kargil region of Ladakh.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa: This Buddhist monastery in Leh consists of two 15th-century temples.
Shey Monastery And Palace: It is best known for the three-storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Diskit Monastery: This monastery is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley
Alchi Monastery: The largest gompa built by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan.
Other Monastries: Likir, Thiksey and Spituk.