Ladakh announces AHDCs for 7 districts, proposes new UT-level body under ‘customised Article 371 framework’
Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Monday announced a series of administrative measures aimed at improving grassroots governance. The initiatives include the deployment of Tehsildars
Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Monday announced a series of administrative measures aimed at improving grassroots governance. The initiatives include the deployment of Tehsildars in 17 newly formed tehsils, the creation of additional Public Works and Public Health Engineering divisions, and steps to expand the provisions of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act to cover all seven newly established districts, according to ANI. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, while announcing the decision, said the proposed Union Territory-level institution under a customised Article 371 framework would function above the seven Hill Councils and be vested with legislative, executive, financial and administrative powers, as per PTI. He described it as a first-of-its-kind governance model designed specifically to meet Ladakh's unique requirements. In a press release, the administration said Kundra also outlined progress in public sector recruitment, decentralisation of governance, and ongoing consultations regarding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh while speaking at a press conference in Leh. Calling the year spiritually important for Ladakh, the Chief Secretary said the visit of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and the continued stay of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama have been a source of great blessings for the region.
He mentioned that many young people have had the opportunity to interact with His Holiness, openly sharing their aspirations and concerns while seeking his guidance. The discipline and values displayed by the youth, he said, reflect Ladakh's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Chief Secretary on govt recruitment, DPCs and constitutional safeguards issue Sharing updates on government recruitment, the Chief Secretary said that since the formation of the Union Territory, 4,011 non-gazetted Group B and Group C posts have been filled. Results have been declared for 473 posts, while document verification is underway for 484 candidates. Recruitment for 648 additional non-gazetted posts have already been issued, the release noted. He further informed that recruitment has been completed for 27 gazetted Group B posts, while 344 gazetted vacancies have been referred to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under the 2025-26 recruitment cycle. The Chief Secretary announced that recruitment for 262 teaching posts in the School Education Department will be released tomorrow, while for 47 faculty positions in the University of Ladakh will also be uploaded shortly. He added that recruitment for 40 Sub-Inspector posts has received around 7,000 applications, and the recruitment process for 341 Constable and Fireman posts is also underway.
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