Centre’s landmark decisions set to redefine socio-economic landscape: Ladakh L-G

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, who hoisted the national flag on Friday, said landmark announcements were set to redefine socio-economic landscape of the region.

Addressing the gathering, L-G highlighted that Ladakh had become the first region in India to ensure 95 per cent reservation in government jobs for local youth — a “permanent shield” for future generations.

The L-G inspected the parade, saluted the marching contingents and paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs, lauding the armed forces, Ladakh Scouts, paramilitary and police personnel.

“From Kargil to the highest borders, Ladakh’s sons and daughters have scripted chapters of unmatched bravery,” he said, urging every citizen to uphold the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution. Reaffirming “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas,” the L-G said the UT Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was committed to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

He emphasised that this guiding philosophy forms the cornerstone of Ladakh’s governance, ensuring development reaches every corner of the region and benefits people of all religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic sections.

“Our journey ahead will be of unity, equity and shared progress, where no village, community and citizen is left behind,” he said. The L-G cited the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025; Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025; and Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, introducing a unique domicile rule counting 15 years’ residency prospectively from 31 October 2019. This provides 85 per cent reservation for locals (80% ST, 4% ALC, 1% SC) and, with the de-reservation of the EWS quota in favour of locals, ensures an effective 95 per cent reservation in public employment.

To address pending vacancies, over 1,600 posts have been advertised and 3,179 local youth have already been appointed. A one-time age relaxation of five years has been granted to compensate for delays in recruitment after the UT’s formation.

Highlighting the role of women, the L-G noted the reservation of 33 per cent of seats for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for the first time, marking a historic step towards gender equality.

He stated that the creation of five new districts — Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar and Drass — would bring administration closer to the people. The L-G said Ladakh was on course to become a renewable energy hub with 11 GW of solar projects and multiple hydroelectric projects. He also declared 100 per cent literacy in Ladakh, citing smart classrooms in all schools.

Gupta said new policies had been framed for homestays and mountaineering expeditions, promoting sustainable tourism. He assured to take necessary steps for the development of Ladakh by taking along people from every area, every religious belief and every section of Ladakh. “The journey ahead is of shared growth, where the spirit of Ladakh will shine as bright as mountains,” he said.