Why is it in the news?

• In a recent meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Ladakh’s representatives of extending Article 371-like protections to address concerns over jobs, land, and culture.
• However, Shah indicated that Ladakh wouldn’t be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution despite ongoing protests in the region.
• He also promised representation and participation of locals through hill councils and indicated willingness to provide up to 80% reservation in public employment.

Demand for Inclusion in Sixth Schedule

• Organizations like the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have advocated for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• The Sixth Schedule contains provisions for the administration of tribal areas in certain states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Benefits of Inclusion:

• It would allow Ladakh to establish Autonomous District and Regional Councils (ADCs and ARCs) with administrative powers over tribal areas.
• These councils would have the authority to make laws on various subjects including forest management, agriculture, administration of villages and towns, inheritance, marriage, divorce, and social customs.
• Additionally, ADCs and ARCs could constitute village councils or courts, appoint officers, and try certain offences under criminal and civil laws.
• The Schedule also grants powers to collect land revenue, impose taxes, regulate money lending, collect royalties, and establish public facilities such as schools, markets, and roads.