Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: The Union Cabinet yesterday discussed the draft proposals for giving reservation to locals in jobs in the Union Territory of Ladakh and granting the status of official languages to Bhoti and others.
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The draft proposals were prepared following discussions with leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been demanding Statehood for Ladakh, inclusion of the Union Territory in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, dedicated PSC and two Parliamentary seats.
In the last meeting between the Central Government’s representatives and leaders of LAB and the KDA in December 2024, there were intensive discussions on the proposals for reserving 95 per cent jobs for locals in Ladakh, one-third quota for women in the Hill Councils and according state language status to several native languages, including Bhoti.
However, sources said, it is immediately not known what final decision has been taken on the proposals and whether any legislation incorporating all the proposed provisions will be brought to give them legal status.
If the proposals are approved, 80 per cent jobs would be reserved for tribals from Leh and Ladakh regions, four per cent for people living close to the Line of Actual Control, one per cent for Scheduled Castes and 10 per cent for the Economically Weaker Section categories, sources said.
A meeting between the Union Home Ministry and Sub Committee of Ladakh was held on January 15 and it was likely to be held on February 15 again. However, no date has been conveyed to LAB and KDA so far for the meeting.
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