Discussions are ongoing regarding the nomenclature and distribution of powers for the proposed unique body with legislative, executive, and financial powers in Ladakh. Civil society groups seeking statehood have been given a list of questions to clarify their doubts.
In a recent statement to The Hindu, Union Territory's Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra confirmed that neither statehood nor a legislature is being considered for Ladakh. Instead, a unique body with legislative, executive, and financial powers will be established. This decision comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution in August 2019, bifurcating the state into two Union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The nomenclature of the proposed body has not been finalized, and discussions are ongoing. The chief secretary stated that an agreement had been reached with the Ladakhi leadership on a sui generis model, which does not exist anywhere in the country. This model will craft a legislative body for Ladakh.
However, civil society groups leading the agitation seeking statehood for Ladakh expressed disappointment as negotiations have not significantly advanced. They have been given a list of questions to clarify doubts and examine details. The next round of talks is scheduled for October.
The proposed body will be established under Article 371 of the Constitution, which deals with temporary, transitional, and special provisions, allowing decentralized governance with a degree of administrative autonomy. It is applicable in 12 states including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
The members of the civil society groups have agreed to a system of 'direct election through constituencies' for the proposed body. They are seeking clarity about the powers the elected body would have, particularly in the area of law and order.
Following the 'in-principle understanding' reached on May 22, the groups had expected a draft proposal on the constitutional safeguards under Article 371 to be provided to them during the meeting on Wednesday. However, the meeting seemed to be merely a red herring to distract Ladakh from the Leh to Kargil march that was to begin on Thursday.
Source:
Scroll.in
