New Delhi: In a landmark decision aimed at addressing Ladakh’s long-standing demands for identity and land safeguards, the central government has introduced new reservation and domicile rules.
The policy, which came into immediate effect on Tuesday, June 3, reserves 85% of jobs for local residents and mandates one-third of seats in Ladakh’s autonomous councils for women.
Here's everything you need to know about the new rules:
Locals Get Majority Job Quota; Domicile Criteria Defined
Under the new rules, 85% of all government jobs in the Union Territory will be reserved for local candidates. To qualify as a domicile, individuals must have either resided in Ladakh for 15 years or studied in the region for seven years, including appearing in Class 10 or 12 exams in local institutions.
In addition, children of central government employees, All India Services officers, PSU staff, and personnel from autonomous bodies or research institutes, who have served in Ladakh for at least 10 years, will also be eligible.
The 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) remains unchanged.
These new rules come after prolonged agitation and negotiations. A high-powered committee headed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai was set up in January 2023 to address concerns from Ladakh’s civil society.
LAHDCs to Reserve One-Third Seats for Women
Another key reform is the amendment to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC) Act, 1997, which now reserves no less than one-third of council seats for women. These reserved seats will rotate among constituencies, based on a notified serial order.
The measures are being seen as a response to growing anxiety over Ladakh’s cultural and demographic future post the 2019 abrogation of Article 370. The movement gained momentum in October 2024 when climate activist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite fast in Delhi demanding constitutional protections.
“Today’s decision is a direct outcome of continued public pressure and negotiation. It’s a significant milestone in protecting Ladakh’s identity,” a senior official told The Hindu.
Further talks with civil society groups were held in December 2024, January 2025, and most recently on May 27, leading up to this decisive policy shift.
