(Indian Express)
In the backdrop of protests across Ladakh, the Centre is mulling granting Article 371-like protection to the Union Territory.
Sources said during a meeting of the representatives of the region — Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance — with Union Home Minister Amit Shah , the minister told them that all their concerns about land, jobs and culture would be addressed through special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution.
Shah, sources said, made it clear that it would not be possible for the government to accommodate the region’s demand to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Centre is also learnt to have turned down the request for a legislature. Unlike J&K, Ladakh is a UT without a legislature.
“The minister was sympathetic to the concerns of the people on land, jobs and culture and said these can be addressed through special provisions under Article 371. He said the government was willing to reserve up to 80% of the jobs in the region for local people,” a Ladakh leader, who was part of the discussions, said.
