For governance draft, MHA asks Ladakh bodies to answer 7 queries

NEW DELHI: The Ladakh outfits in talks with the home ministry on safeguards for the Union territory (UT) have been asked to submit a draft proposal addressing seven questions on the larger governance structure for Ladakh, including the division of powers and functions between the proposed UT-level body and the seven district councils.Sources involved in the dialogue process between the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) and Ladakh administration and Leh Apex Body (LAB), Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and activist Sonam Wangchuk, told TOI that the Sept 9 round saw a presentation by MHA on the three-tier structure: the apex UT-level body, autonomous district councils and panchayats.The first question sought suggestions on the name of the UT-level body and its executive arm.

A key issue was representation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) members in the UT-level body. The Ladakh representatives were asked if they favoured direct elections to the UT-level body or indirect elections by LAHDCs. A consensus emerged in favour of direct elections.As for the district councils, they will also have direct elections, as per the process already followed for the existing two councils in Ladakh and Kargil.

The third question focused on functions to be exercised by the UT-level body "in the interest of uniformity, coordinated development and effective administration". They were also asked what functions should be performed at the district level and what principles should guide allocation of powers between the UT-level body and LAHDCs.

Another poser related to subjects in the law-making domain of UT-level elected body.The Ladakh bodies were told to submit answers to the seven queries so that a draft proposal could be prepared for the next round of discussions in Oct.Despite progress on Sept 9, LAB, KDA and Wangchuk expressed disappointment with the lack of "headway" in the discussions a day later. When contacted, Ladakh chief secretary Ashish Kundra disagreed and said the talks were productive."Clarity was offered on the proposed constitutional safeguards. Besides, an assurance was given to the Ladakh bodies that their demand for withdrawal of cases related to the violent events of Sept 24, 2025, as well as compensation would be put up before the Ladakh lieutenant governor," said Kundra.While all other Ladakh representatives sounded positive, Wangchuk demanded that no major decisions on the proposed powers of the UT-level body be made till it is in place.