Chief Secretary briefs Media on Political Dialogue and Developmental Initiatives

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Sept 10 : Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today addressed the media and briefed journalists on the ongoing political dialogue on constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, recruitment and service-related matters, Nautor land rules, and other developmental and administrative initiatives.

On the ongoing political dialogue, the Chief Secretary shared key highlights of the meeting held between MHA officials and Sub-Committee members of the UT-level body held yesterday in New Delhi to discuss the framework for providing constitutional and legislative safeguards to Ladakh. Representatives of the Apex bodies and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) participated in the meeting.

He informed that the meeting discussed the proposed structure of the UT-level body to be granted under the provision of Article 371 of the Indian Constitution, and the members expressed their consensus on having a direct election through constituencies for constitution of the UT level body.

Emphasising that constitutional safeguards require a detailed and established legal and parliamentary process, the Chief Secretary said any constitutional amendment requires broad political consensus, consultation and parliamentary consideration. He stressed that the process would be taken forward through dialogue and consensus and that no framework would be imposed on Ladakh without due consultation with stakeholders.

On employment and administrative reforms, the Chief Secretary informed the meeting about the issue of the State Service feeder cadre in 15 departments, comprising 79 posts, which had been taken up by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The MHA has now issued the enabling notification, paving the way for recruitment in accordance with the Ladakh Reservation Rules, 2025.

The Chief Secretary said that the draft recruitment rules have been prepared and will soon be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. Following approval, the rules will be forwarded to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to initiate the recruitment process.

The posts include Assistant Directors, Under Secretaries, Deputy Registrars, Excise and Taxation Officers, Assistant Labour Commissioners, Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, and officers in the Social Welfare and Tourism departments, among others.