img

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially notified new rules for Ladakh, establishing domicile criteria and reserving a significant majority of non-gazetted government jobs for local residents. This move aims to address long-standing concerns within the Union Territory regarding employment opportunities for its indigenous population following the abrogation of Article 370.

Under the "Ladakh Administration (Subordinate Services) Recruitment Rules, 2024," direct recruitment for all non-gazetted posts under the Ladakh administration will now heavily favor locals. The reservation ranges from 80% for certain posts (like constables or equivalent) to a full 95% for posts equivalent to Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and similar Level-1 positions. This leaves a smaller percentage open for candidates from outside Ladakh.

A crucial aspect of these rules is the clear definition of a "Resident of Ladakh." To qualify, an individual must have resided in Ladakh for at least 15 years. Alternatively, children of central or state government officials, All India Services officers, public sector undertaking employees, autonomous body personnel, or university staff who have served in Ladakh for a continuous period of ten years can also be considered residents. Those registered as migrants by the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) in Ladakh are also included. A "Ladakh Resident Certificate" issued by a competent authority will serve as proof of domicile.

This development comes against the backdrop of persistent demands from Ladakhi socio-political groups, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). These groups have been advocating for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including protections for land, jobs, and cultural identity, akin to those under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution or previously under Article 370. While these new job reservation rules are a significant step, they are largely seen as an interim measure while broader discussions on constitutional protections continue.

The rules aim to ensure that the benefits of public employment within Ladakh primarily reach its own people, addressing anxieties about demographic change and loss of local opportunities. They largely formalize practices that were already somewhat in place under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) but now provide a clear, centrally-notified framework.


Read More: Controversy Erupts Over Red Carpet Remark During Supreme Court Hearing on Refugees

Latest breaking news Latest post breaking news Ladakh job reservation domicile rules locals mha Ministry of Home Affairs Union Territory Article 370 Sixth Schedule employment non-gazetted posts Ladakh Administration recruitment Resident of Ladakh Ladakh Resident Certificate indigenous population Leh Apex Body LAB Kargil Democratic Alliance KDA constitutional safeguards land rights Cultural Identity public employment Government Jobs local opportunities direct recruitment constables MTS Level-1 posts 15-year residency Government Employees migrants Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner LAHDC Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils socio-political demands regional issues India policy legislation administrative rules local representation employment security economic development tribal rights Himalayan region political aspirations Central government notification public sector demographic concerns job security regional protection indigenous rights local governance.