Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist, was detained on the Delhi border while leading a protest aimed at pressuring the Central government to grant Ladakh inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
What is asymmetrical federalism?
India's federal structure is often referred to as asymmetrical federalism, which means that not all states or regions in the country enjoy the same level of autonomy. Unlike symmetrical federations (such as the U.S. and Australia, where all states have equal powers), India grants more autonomy to certain areas due to historical, cultural, or ethnic reasons.
Ladakh’s Demand for 6th Schedule
Protection of Tribal Identity: Given Ladakh’s predominantly tribal population (over 90%), this status is sought to preserve the unique cultural and ethnic
identity of its indigenous communities, such as the Buddhists and Muslims.
Autonomous Governance: The 6th Schedule would grant Ladakh more autonomy enabling local decision-making on matters such as land, resources, and cultural affairs, which are crucial for Ladakh’s tribal population.
Preservation of Land and Resources: Granting 6th Schedule status would protect Ladakh’s land and resources from external exploitation by giving local bodies control and preventing non-locals from acquiring land easily.
Protection of Cultural Heritage: The 6th Schedule status would help preserve Ladakh's rich cultural heritage, languages, and traditional practices.
Concerns over Economic and Political Marginalization: Seeking 6th Schedule status is seen as a way to mitigate fears of economic and political marginalization within the Union Territory structure.
Prevent Demographic Changes: The status would help in controlling demographic changes, as it could restrict the migration of people from outside Ladakh into the region.
Local Development Priorities: Ladakh people would be able to set their own development priorities, focusing on areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure that align with the region's needs and traditional way of life.
Why is Ladakh significant for India?
Geopolitical Importance:
Ladakh, known as "the Land of Passes," lies at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia, giving it immense geopolitical significance.
Strategic Significance:
Ladakh acts as a buffer zone between India and neighboring countries like China and Pakistan.
Border disputes highlight its role in safeguarding India’s territorial integrity.
The Indian Armed Forces maintain a strong presence to counter external threats.
Tourism Potential:
Called the Lama Land or Little Tibet, Ladakh's altitudes range from 9,000 to 25,170 feet.
Offers trekking, mountaineering, and Buddhist monastery tours.
Economic Importance:
Vast untapped potential in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Stunning landscapes like Pangong and Tso Moriri attract adventure and tranquility seekers.
Environmental Significance:
Fertile valleys support organic farming and horticulture.
Abundant sunlight and wind resources enable solar and wind energy development.
Cultural Significance:
Located on the ancient Silk Route, fostering cultural, religious, and trade developments.
Diverse ethnic communities like Ladakhi, Tibetan, and Balti, with unique traditions.
Centuries-old monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit serve as cultural and spiritual centers.
Arguments in favour of Ladakh's inclusion in the 6th schedule
Ensuring Representation:
Post-2019 reorganization, Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislative assembly, raising concerns about lost autonomy and representation.
Previously, Ladakh had four members in J&K’s assembly and two in its legislative council.
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) once held significant autonomy but is now perceived as sidelined under central rule, causing feelings of political dispossession.
Fears persist that outsiders may dominate decision-making for Ladakh.
Lack of Public Participation:
Under J&K, Ladakh enjoyed special status (Article 370, 35A), which safeguarded jobs, land, culture, and identity.
The absence of a legislative body has shifted decision-making to bureaucratic processes, leading to disempowerment and insecurity.
Ladakh’s Fragile Ecosystem:
Ladakh’s high-altitude deserts, glaciers, and meadows support rare biodiversity but face threats from mining in glacial areas.
Concerns about industrialization disrupting fragile ecosystems and overwhelming resources are significant.
Proper water resource management is crucial for livelihoods, ecosystems, and river system health.
Sensitive Borders:
Borders with China and Pakistan heighten security challenges due to military standoffs and tensions.
Strategic infrastructure development, with local community support, is essential to address the China-Pakistan axis.
Preservation of Cultural Identity:
Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule would safeguard Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage and empower tribal communities with governance autonomy.
Performance of Socio-Economic Development:
Criticism of Union Territory administration centers on inadequate job creation and lack of a public service commission.
The absence of a job policy has fueled youth anger.
Autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule could strengthen grassroots democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance and accountability.
Arguments against Ladakh's inclusion in the 6th schedule
Legal and Administrative Hurdles:
The Ministry of Home Affairs cites constitutional challenges in amending the Constitution to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, as it is reserved for the Northeast, while other tribal areas fall under the Fifth Schedule.
Potential Delays in Decision-Making:
Including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule could complicate governance and lead to administrative delays.
Inclusion Already Under Progress:
The central government informed a parliamentary committee that the UT administration is addressing the socio-economic development of tribal populations with sufficient funding.
Increased Reservations:
The Ladakh administration raised Scheduled Tribe reservations in direct recruitment from 10% to 45%, aiding tribal development significantly.
Hinderance in Economic Development:
Union Territory status allows focused infrastructure investment in roads, airstrips, and communication networks.
Critics argue Sixth Schedule inclusion may restrict land use, resource exploitation, and investments, hampering economic growth.
Clear Chain of Command:
Ladakh’s direct governance by a Lieutenant Governor ensures effective security coordination and swift responses to Chinese incursions.
UT status reinforces India's sovereignty, strengthening its diplomatic position in border negotiations with China.
Way ahead
Meaningful Dialogue:
The government should engage stakeholders, including local communities, political leaders, and civil society, to address grievances and aspirations behind the demand for Sixth Schedule status.
Assessment of Feasibility:
Conduct a thorough assessment of the legal, administrative, socio-economic, and cultural implications of granting Sixth Schedule status, focusing on governance, development, and security impacts.
Gain the Trust of the People:
Build trust through tangible decisions and timely actions, ensuring iterative processes responsive to evolving circumstances.
Enhance Local Governance:
Strengthen local governance by promoting autonomy, inclusive policies, and targeted socio-economic and cultural development interventions.
Sensitive Policymaking:
Frame policies considering Ladakh's strategic location, fragile environment, resource potential, and local aspirations, ensuring a balanced approach.
Gradual and Phased Approach:
Implement decisions through a phased approach, with pilot projects or experiments to evaluate feasibility and refine strategies before full-scale implementation.
Conclusion
The demand for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule reflects a broader need to protect indigenous rights and grant genuine autonomy to tribal regions. Timely reforms and clearer guidelines are essential to uphold the constitutional promise of safeguarding tribal culture and ensuring sustainable development.
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