Context:
Centre Notified Rule and Regulations to Protect Ladakh’s Land, Jobs, Culture, And Identity, following local demands to bring Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule
Key Highlights of Recent Rules & Regulations (2025):
- Job Reservation for Locals – 85% of government jobs reserved for locals, as defined under the Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025.
- This is in addition to the existing 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
- Women’s Reservation in LAHDC – One-third of seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC) of Leh and Kargil are reserved for women.
- The reservation will be implemented through rotation.
- Language & Cultural Protection –
- Official languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi.
- Institutional support for the promotion of Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi languages.
6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution:
- Purpose –
- Provides special administrative provisions for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- Ensures autonomy and self-governance for tribal communities.
- Autonomous Districts & Councils – Tribal areas are designated as Autonomous Districts.
- Governor has the power to create, modify, or reorganize these districts.
- District Councils & Regional Councils govern these areas, with elected members.
- Legislative & Financial Powers – Councils can make laws on land, forests, inheritance, marriage, and social customs.
- They have the authority to collect land revenue, impose taxes, regulate trade, and manage mineral royalties.
- Judicial Powers – Councils can set up courts for tribal disputes.
- High Courts have jurisdiction over cases as specified by the Governor.
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) To provide self-governance
(b) To recognize traditional rights
(c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
(d) To free tribal people from exploitation
Answer: (c)