MHA Offers Special Provisions Under Article 371 to Ladakh Amidst Demands for Sixth Schedule
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed granting special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution to Ladakh. This comes during resumed talks with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who are demanding Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Article 371, found in Part XXI, provides 'Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions' and is currently applicable to 12 Indian states. While the MHA suggests Article 371 as a safeguard for land and culture, Ladakhi groups remain firm on their demand for tribal status and greater autonomy through the Sixth Schedule.
Key Points
- Article 371 offers specific protections for land, culture, and administrative autonomy to certain states without granting full statehood.
- The Sixth Schedule provides for Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative and judicial powers in tribal areas, which Ladakh groups prefer.
- Ladakh is currently a Union Territory without a legislature, leading to local protests for democratic representation and constitutional safeguards.
Exam Facts
- Article 371 is part of Part XXI of the Indian Constitution.
- The provision currently applies to 12 states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur.
- The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
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