In a significant development for the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Centre has in-principle agreed to reserve 95 percent of gazetted officer posts for local residents. This decision marks a major step towards addressing long-standing demands of Ladakh’s population for better employment opportunities and greater local representation in administrative roles.
Ladakh MP Hanifa Jan expressed her elation over the agreement, calling it a major victory for the people of the region. “It’s big news for the people of Ladakh. People have been praying for some good news from this meeting, and now their prayers have been answered. The MHA has agreed to reserve 95 percent of gazetted officers’ jobs for locals,” she told NDTV.
Jan further explained that while the agreement is in principle, the detailed implementation plan will be discussed in a follow-up meeting scheduled for January 15. The key focus of that meeting will be on how to execute this reservation policy effectively.
Former BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang also expressed satisfaction with the meeting’s outcome, noting that the MHA had been receptive to their concerns. “We were very straightforward with MHA officials and took up issues concerning youth and employment, and we have been assured that our concerns are genuine and will be addressed,” he said.
Chhewang highlighted that the next meeting would address additional details, such as whether Ladakh will establish a separate Public Service Commission or if it will be merged with Jammu and Kashmir’s. The group was also informed that over 400 vacant posts would be filled by locals, with a special focus on tribals in the region.
The recent discussions followed months of stalled dialogue between Ladakh’s political, social, and trade organizations, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). These groups have been vocal in their demand for statehood for Ladakh, arguing that it would lead to better governance, improved economic development, and more efficient administrative processes.
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In addition to statehood, the delegation called for Ladakh’s inclusion under the 6th Schedule to safeguard the region’s tribal culture, environmental preservation, and autonomy. The establishment of a Public Service Commission for Ladakh and expedited recruitment of gazetted officers were also central issues raised during the talks.
However, the demand for separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil remains unresolved, as the Centre has stated that this issue can only be revisited after the 2026 Census.
The Centre also proposed measures to protect Ladakh’s land and cultural identity, including “constitutional safeguards” and a review of 22 pending laws related to local concerns and environmental preservation. Additionally, Urdu and Bhoti will be declared official languages of Ladakh, marking another win for the region’s cultural preservation.
