Why in news
- Union Ministry of Home Affairs is examining constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through potential inclusion under Article 371 provisions.
Key terms
Constitutional provision granting special administrative and land-protection safeguards to specific Indian states.
Constitutional provisions under Article 244(2) establishing autonomous district councils in designated northeastern tribal areas.
Federally administered administrative division governed directly or indirectly by the Central Government under Article 239.
Section of the Constitution detailing temporary, transitional, and special provisions for specific regions.
What is Article 371?
- Part XXI of the Constitution contains temporary, transitional and special provisions for 12 states to protect local culture, land rights, and administrative autonomy.
- Articles 371 to 371-J cover states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Karnataka.
Ladakh's Constitutional Demands
- Demands center on constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule or Article 371 to safeguard indigenous land ownership, employment reservation, and tribal identity.
- Current discussions focus on administrative powers, legislative representation, and protection against unchecked commercial land acquisition.
Why it matters
- Provides a constitutional mechanism to balance strategic border development with eco-fragile mountain ecology and tribal rights.
Prelims facts
- Article 371 provisions are located in Part XXI of the Indian Constitution.
Mains discussion
- Examine how Article 371 mechanisms help resolve regional aspirations while maintaining national administrative integration.
Source: Economic Times
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2026 · Q10 · GS III · 10 marks
Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Ladakh. -
2015 · Q59 · General Studies · 2 marks
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