Lok Sabha Question No. 2857 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Implementation of the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, Shri Tanuj Punia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO2857

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 08/08/2024

## IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SIXTH SCHEDULED IN LADAKH

## 2857   SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA SHRI TANUJ PUNIA

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to extend the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to Ladakh and if so, the details and the current status thereof;
- (b) the specific reasons for the delay in granting Ladakh tribal status under the Sixth Schedule; and
- (c) the measures being implemented to restore and enhance democratic representation and decision -making powers to local bodies, such as the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils in Leh and Kargil?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a) to (c): The subject-matter of Sixth Schedule under Article 244(2) of the Constitution of India and Union Territory of Ladakh  comes  under  administrative  ambit  of  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  (MHA).  The  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  has informed that:

'As per Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997 (LAHDC Act, 1997), as amended from time to time, continues to be applicable in the successor union territory of Ladakh. The LAHDC Act, 1997 provides for establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils in the districts of the Ladakh region. The Autonomous Hill Development Councils came into existence in Leh district in 1995 and in Kargil district in 2003. The powers envisaged under sixth schedule of the constitution.

Further, as informed by MHA the democratic representation and decision - making powers of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) have been retained after formation of the UT of Ladakh. Periodic elections of Hill Development Councils, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Member of Parliament are being conducted to ensure the continued democratic representation in UT of Ladakh.

The LAHDCs exercise executive powers on various subjects within their respective districts. As per mandate of the said Act, the LAHDCs are functioning as District Planning and Development Boards and prepare their own plan for various programs and policies of Ladakh keeping in view demand and aspiration of people of Ladakh.

This Ministry of Home Affairs is providing sufficient funds to LAHDCs through budgetary grant to the UT of Ladakh. The CAPEX allocation to these Councils has been increased from Rs. 183 Cr in 2019-20 to Rs. 600 Cr in 2023-24 to meet their  funds  requirements  to  carry  out  developmental  activities  in  their  respective  districts.  Further,  to  enhance  the effectiveness  of  the  Councillors  of  the  LAHDCs  in  reaching  out  to  their  constituencies  and  representing  their developmental needs, some additional monthly allowances such as Constituency Allowance @ Rs. 40, 000/- Telephone/ Office Expenses/ Miscellaneous Charges @ Rs. 10000/- and Medical Allowance @ Rs. 10000/- are also being granted to Councillors of the LAHDCs.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a High Powered Committee (HPC) under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Home Affairs, GoI for the Union Territory of Ladakh:

i.  To  discuss  measures  to  protect  the  region's  unique  culture  and  language  taking  into  consideration  its  geographical location and its strategic importance.

ii. To ensure protection of land and employment for the people of Ladakh.

iii. To discuss measures for inclusive development and employment generation in the region.

iv. To discuss measures related to employment of LAHDCs of Leh and Kargil.

v. To examine constitutional safeguards that could be provided to ensure the measures and protection detailed above'.

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