The Modi government has expressed its intent to implement Article 371 in Ladakh, following the abrogation of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. While kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>jammu and kashmir has been reorganized into two union territories, Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh, the demand for special provisions akin to article 370 has surfaced in Ladakh. Union home minister amit shah has actively engaged in discussions around this proposal.
The implementation of Article 371 in Ladakh aims to address the aspirations of the people in the region. This move is seen as an alternative to the demand for full statehood or the application of the Sixth Schedule, which provides autonomous status to tribal areas in certain states. The Sixth Schedule empowers such areas with legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy, offering protection for tribal communities.
Ladakh, lacking a legislative assembly as a union territory, has witnessed ongoing protests, with locals advocating for statehood or Sixth Schedule status. However, the central government, led by home minister amit shah, has dismissed the possibility of including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule but has shown openness to implementing Article 371.
Article 371, part of Part 21 of the Constitution, provides special provisions for 12 states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Goa, Manipur, and Karnataka. Each state under Article 371 has specific privileges, such as the formation of development boards, autonomy in socio-religious matters, and the creation of special universities.
If Article 371 is implemented in Ladakh, the region stands to gain privileges similar to those enjoyed by the states covered under this constitutional provision. The central government can allocate separate funds for Ladakh's development, and the region can provide additional job reservations beyond the constitutional limits. Furthermore, Ladakh's original inhabitants would have the right to preserve their language, culture, and traditional beliefs, similar to the provisions granted to the North-Eastern states.
However, the implementation of Article 371 in Ladakh is not a straightforward process. Constitutional amendments are required, as the current provisions of Article 371 are temporary and can be removed by the government after implementation. While this move may address the demands of the people in Ladakh, the intricacies of constitutional amendments and the temporary nature of Article 371 suggest a nuanced path ahead.
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