| News Details |
| Chief Secretary briefs Media on Political Dialogue and Developmental Initiatives | | 
Leh, September 10 (Scoop News)-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.
The Chief Secretary, 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. He exhorted that the discussions were aimed at taking forward the process of securing appropriate constitutional and legislative safeguards for Ladakh relating to its land, culture, heritage, natural resources, environment, employment and other concerns.
He informed that in the meeting, the participating leaders from Ladakh were requested to prepare a draft document examining the structural relationship and distribution of powers between the LAHDCs and the proposed UT-level body as per their requirements. The next round of discussions is expected to be held in October.
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.
He further informed that the MHA has also approved the creation of the Ladakh Administrative Service and Ladakh Police Service, with the modalities for their implementation to be worked out shortly.
He further informed that recommendations for appointment against 1,340 categories/posts have been received during the ongoing recruitment process, while 1,504 posts have been advertised and 716 vacancies have been filled through promotions. Recruitment to 125 Medical Officer posts is also being expedited, with a UPSC Board scheduled to visit Ladakh from September 21 to 25 to conduct interviews.
Regarding the September 24 incident, the Chief Secretary said matters relating to withdrawal of cases and compensation for affected families have been taken up with the Lieutenant Governor for appropriate consideration and further necessary action.
Clarifying the recently proposed Nautor land rules, he said the draft framework does not envisage monetisation of Nautor land. It seeks to address long-pending issues relating to tenancy and conversion of eligible tenancy rights into ownership rights, subject to applicable rules. He clarified that actual regularisation of Nautor land falls within the jurisdiction of the elected Hill Councils.
He also said provisions relating to monastery and religious institution land are being examined, including measures to reduce the financial burden on small landholders. He stressed that the final rules have not yet been notified and valid suggestions from stakeholders would be considered before finalisation.
The Chief Secretary said the proposed land-use framework could help address existing difficulties faced by landholders, including those related to permissible land use and access to institutional finance. He reiterated that the Administration remains committed to consultation, transparency and strengthening democratic and administrative processes while addressing public concerns in accordance with the law and established procedures.
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