TAG: GS 2: POLITY
THE CONTEXT: Union Home Minister recently announced the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang.
EXPLANATION:
- This move aims to enhance governance and ensure that government services and opportunities reach even the remotest parts of Ladakh.
- Until now, Ladakh had only two districts, Leh and Kargil, both of which have autonomous hill development councils.
Role of the Ministry of Home Affairs
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has outlined a clear process for the creation of these new districts.
- According to the MHA, the Ladakh administration will form a committee tasked with assessing various aspects related to the new districts, such as their headquarters, boundaries, administrative structure, and the creation of necessary posts.
- This committee is expected to submit its report within three months.
- Based on this report, the Ladakh administration will send a final proposal to the MHA for further action.
Response from Local Groups and Political Leaders
- The decision to create new districts has been met with a range of reactions from local groups and political leaders.
- The announcement comes just before the planned padayatra (march) to Delhi by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), scheduled from September 1 to October 2.
- The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been vocal in demanding statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect tribal areas, job reservations for locals, and dedicated parliamentary seats.
- Co-chairman of the LAB, acknowledged that there were demands for new districts from regions like Zanskar and Nubra but noted that other areas did not have similar demands.
- He reiterated that the creation of new districts does not change the LAB’s demand for Sixth Schedule status.
- It was expressed that while the creation of new districts might validate the demand for an Assembly in Ladakh, the focus should remain on securing Sixth Schedule status and statehood.
- It has been emphasized that the move should not be seen as an attempt to divert attention from these demands.
Official Statements and Justifications
- Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that the new districts will bring governance closer to the people, ensuring that public welfare schemes reach every corner of Ladakh.
- The MHA has also highlighted the geographical and demographic challenges of Ladakh, noting that the vast and sparsely populated region has made it difficult for the administration to operate effectively.
- The creation of new districts is seen as a crucial step towards overcoming these challenges and ensuring all-around development in Ladakh.
Background and Broader Context
- The announcement of new districts in Ladakh comes against the backdrop of significant political changes in the region.
- In August 2019, the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was revoked, leading to the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- Ladakh, with a population of 2.74 lakh according to the 2011 Census, has since been grappling with issues related to governance and representation.
- In January 2023, a high-powered committee chaired by Minister of State for Home was constituted to address the grievances of the people of Ladakh.
- Although the committee’s efforts have so far not led to any significant outcomes, the creation of new districts is seen as a move towards addressing some of the region’s administrative and developmental challenges.
Sixth schedule
- Sixth Schedule in the Indian Constitution established Autonomous District Councils (ADC) in four northeastern states, namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
- The Sixth Schedule was originally intended for the predominantly tribal areas (tribal population over 90%) of undivided Assam, which was categorised as “excluded areas” under the Government of India Act, 1935 and was under the direct control of the Governor.
- The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram to safeguard the rights of the tribal population in these states.
- The demand for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution has been a significant topic of discussion and activism in the region.
- The demand for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule has led to protests, rallies, and calls for shutdowns by various groups advocating for special rights and protections for the people of Ladakh.
Process to create a new district
- The power to create new districts or alter or abolish existing districts rests with the State governments.
- This can either be done through an executive order or by passing a law in the State Assembly.
- Many States prefer the executive route by simply issuing a notification in the official gazette.
- States argue that smaller districts lead to better administration and governance.
- For example, in 2016, the Assam government issued a notification to upgrade the Majuli sub-division to Majuli district for “administrative expediency”.
- The Centre has no role to play in the alteration of districts or creation of new ones. States are free to decide.
- The Home Ministry comes into the picture when a State wants to change the name of a district or a railway station.
- The State government’s request is sent to other departments and agencies such as the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Geographical Survey of India Sciences and the Railway Ministry seeking clearance.
- A no-objection certificate may be issued after examining their replies.