Home Ministry Nears Completion of Custom Article 371 Framework for Ladakh

Union minister Kiren Rijiju told attendees at Druk Padma Karpo School in Leh that the Home Ministry is putting the final touches on a unique Article 371 framework for Ladakh. The initiative, prompted by Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent declaration, will establish seven autonomous hill development councils aligned with Ladakh’s seven districts, providing administrative flexibility and safeguards for tribal lands, environment, customs and employment while stopping short of statehood or Sixth Schedule inclusion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Union Territory to share his views on the model. Representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have been in talks with the ministry since 2023, with the next round set for September in New Delhi. Rijiju highlighted Ladakh’s transformation since 2014, noting new roads, electricity, water supply and widespread mobile connectivity.