‘Hoping draft ready by Oct’: Ladakh chief secy as UT seeks Article 371 safeguards

NEW DELHI: Ladakh chief secretary Ashish Kundra said on Thursday that the Union Territory is moving towards seeking constitutional safeguards for its local population under Article 371, along with the creation of a UT-level elected body with legislative and financial powers.Kundra said a meeting of the sub-committee was held at the ministry of home affairs on Wednesday with the leadership of the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance from Ladakh. Discussions focused on incorporating a special provision under Article 371 to protect the interests of the local population.He said the next meeting is scheduled for October, with the administration hoping to have an advanced draft of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill ready by then.What Ladakh is seekingThe proposed framework would include a Union Territory-level body elected directly through constituencies and vested with legislative and financial powers.The move comes amid demands for greater constitutional protection for Ladakh following its transition into a Union Territory.What does Article 371 provide?Articles 371 contain special provisions for specific states. These provisions differ from one state to another but broadly seek to protect local political, cultural, social and economic interests.Article 371-A, for instance, provides special safeguards for Nagaland. Articles 371-B and 371-C provide for special committees in the Legislative Assemblies of Assam and Manipur and similiarly other provisions are there for other states.If a new Article 371 provision is introduced specifically for Ladakh, it would be significant because Ladakh is a Union Territory rather than a state.The proposal would therefore require a constitutional arrangement tailored to a Union Territory, potentially making it different from the existing Article 371 provisions that primarily apply to states.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.