Centre promised more legislative powers for Ladakh, says delegation, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Union Home Ministry is considering granting Ladakh greater legislative, financial, and administrative powers within the Union Territory framework.
• Discussions between the Home Ministry and representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) were positive.
• The proposed changes will be under the framework of "U.T. with legislative powers".
• The LAB and the KDA are seeking constitutional safeguards similar to Article 371 A, F, and G.

Detailed Insights:

• The Home Ministry will soon send a draft outlining the proposed changes, including the establishment of a legislature for Ladakh.
• The Centre is hesitant to grant "Statehood" immediately due to concerns about Ladakh's revenue generation capabilities.
• The functions of the Chief Secretary and other administrative roles will be determined by the elected body.
• The LAB and KDA are engaging with legal and constitutional experts to refine the operational details in consultation with the Home Ministry.
• The government is committed to ensuring democratic representation in Ladakh, exploring various models, including safeguards under Article 371.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Union Territory: An administrative division in India directly governed by the Central Government.
• Article 371: A provision in the Indian Constitution providing special provisions for certain states.
• Legislative Powers: The authority to make laws and policies within a specific jurisdiction.