18 October 2026

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Article 371 Safeguards for Ladakh

Why in news

  • Union Ministry of Home Affairs is examining constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through potential inclusion under Article 371 provisions.

Key terms

Article 371

Constitutional provision granting special administrative and land-protection safeguards to specific Indian states.

Sixth Schedule

Constitutional provisions under Article 244(2) establishing autonomous district councils in designated northeastern tribal areas.

Union Territory

Federally administered administrative division governed directly or indirectly by the Central Government under Article 239.

Part XXI

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

समान विषय · पिछले पेपर

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← All Prelims + Mains notes for 18 October 2026

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