Score:
5.5/10
Analyze what earned this score 🔥
Topper’s Copy
GS2
Indian Polity
10 marks
Discuss the demand for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the context of recent protests and Sonam Wangchuk's arrest.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Demands for Ladakh's statehood
- Sixth Schedule inclusion demands
- Context of recent protests
- Sonam Wangchuk's arrest and implications
- Constitutional and administrative aspects
What you wrote:
Ladakh became a Union Territory without legislature in 2019 when Article 370 was revoked and the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organisation Act, 2019 came into effect, creating a democratic vacuum in Ladakh.
Ladakh became a Union Territory without legislature in 2019 when Article 370 was revoked and the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organisation Act, 2019 came into effect, creating a democratic vacuum in Ladakh.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can start with the unique cultural-ecological significance of Ladakh (e.g., distinct Buddhist heritage, high-altitude desert ecosystem)
- Could mention the ongoing 'Border Region Development Authority' protests since January 2024
What you wrote:
Key Demands of the Protest:-
1) Statehood for Ladakh -> elected legislature, political representation, accountability
2) Sixth Schedule inclusion -> Autonomy via Autonomous District councils, control over land, forests, customs, resources.
3) other demands- job quotas for locals, land safeguards, cultural and heritage protection.
Key Demands of the Protest:-
1) Statehood for Ladakh -> elected legislature, political representation, accountability
2) Sixth Schedule inclusion -> Autonomy via Autonomous District councils, control over land, forests, customs, resources.
3) other demands- job quotas for locals, land safeguards, cultural and heritage protection.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could include reference to Article 244(2) which deals with Sixth Schedule implementation
- Can mention current autonomous structure through LAHDC Act, 1995
- Could elaborate on successful Sixth Schedule models (e.g., Bodoland Territorial Council)
What you wrote:
2025 Ladakh Protest and Arrest of Sonam Wangchuk
Political alienation [UT without legislature -> No local representation]
↓
Demands for statehood & Sixth Schedule
↓
Economic and land concerns [(limited job for locals -> fear of outsiders)]
↓
Cultural and Ecological fears [(Fragile Himalayan ecology, Protect language, customs)]
↓
Hunger strikes and Activism [(Sonam Wangchuk and elderly activists protests)]
↓
Centre delay and perceived neglect [(Frustration escalates -> mass mobilisation)]
↓
Protest turn violent [(clashes in Leh, 4 deaths, curfew)]
↓
Arrest of Sonam Wangchuk under NSA [(Govt. action to restore law and order)]
↓
Sense of marginalisation due to centralized decision-making and arrest.
2025 Ladakh Protest and Arrest of Sonam Wangchuk
Political alienation [UT without legislature -> No local representation]
↓
Demands for statehood & Sixth Schedule
↓
Economic and land concerns [(limited job for locals -> fear of outsiders)]
↓
Cultural and Ecological fears [(Fragile Himalayan ecology, Protect language, customs)]
↓
Hunger strikes and Activism [(Sonam Wangchuk and elderly activists protests)]
↓
Centre delay and perceived neglect [(Frustration escalates -> mass mobilisation)]
↓
Protest turn violent [(clashes in Leh, 4 deaths, curfew)]
↓
Arrest of Sonam Wangchuk under NSA [(Govt. action to restore law and order)]
↓
Sense of marginalisation due to centralized decision-making and arrest.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can include specific protest timeline (Climate Fast movement in January 2024)
- Could mention key demands of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance
- Can elaborate on NSA provisions and their implications for democratic rights
What you wrote:
Challenges
① Sixth schedule restricted to North states -> requires constitutional amendment.
② Strategic border sensitivities [china].
Administrative overlap with Hill Development Councils.
Way Forward
① Strengthen powers of LAHDCs
② Phased devolution of autonomy
③ Legal land and job protection laws.
④ Centre-ladakh dialogue to balance security and local aspirations.
Challenges
① Sixth schedule restricted to North states -> requires constitutional amendment.
② Strategic border sensitivities [china].
Administrative overlap with Hill Development Councils.
Way Forward
① Strengthen powers of LAHDCs
② Phased devolution of autonomy
③ Legal land and job protection laws.
④ Centre-ladakh dialogue to balance security and local aspirations.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could suggest specific institutional mechanisms (e.g., Joint Working Group between Centre and local bodies)
- Can include successful models of border area administration (e.g., Northeast autonomous councils)
- Could mention role of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in safeguarding tribal rights
What you wrote:
Security and autonomy are not mutually exclusive. A calibrated approach can safeguard Ladakh's identity while ensuring India's strategic interests.
Security and autonomy are not mutually exclusive. A calibrated approach can safeguard Ladakh's identity while ensuring India's strategic interests.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can conclude with emphasis on constitutional solutions (e.g., special provisions under Article 371 as implemented in other states)
- Could highlight the importance of inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders
Marks: 5.5/10
Demand of the Question
- Demands for Ladakh's statehood
- Sixth Schedule inclusion demands
- Context of recent protests
- Sonam Wangchuk's arrest and implications
- Constitutional and administrative aspects
What you wrote:
Ladakh became a Union Territory without legislature in 2019 when Article 370 was revoked and the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organisation Act, 2019 came into effect, creating a democratic vacuum in Ladakh.
Ladakh became a Union Territory without legislature in 2019 when Article 370 was revoked and the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organisation Act, 2019 came into effect, creating a democratic vacuum in Ladakh.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can start with the unique cultural-ecological significance of Ladakh (e.g., distinct Buddhist heritage, high-altitude desert ecosystem)
- Could mention the ongoing 'Border Region Development Authority' protests since January 2024
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