Ladakh Land Policy Proposals

8.Ladakh Land Policy Proposals: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is considering a proposal to regularize government-owned wasteland in Ladakh in the names of local residents who have been cultivating or using these lands.

  • About: The practice of cultivating wasteland, known as ‘Nautor, dates back to a 1932 rule by the then King of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh.
  • Reservation of seats: Ladakh leaders have agreed to a domicile policy where 95% of government jobs will be reserved for permanent residents
  • Extension of domicile cut-off: Ladakh leaders have requested an extension of the domicile cut-off from 15 to 20 years.
  • Inclusion in 6th schedule: Discussions on major demands including Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and Restoration of statehood with a Legislative Assembly.

o 6th schedule: The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution aims to protect tribal areas in northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram), safeguard tribal land and resources, and preserve the cultural and social identities of tribal communities.