Ladakh Reservation and Language Regulations Promulgated by President

In a landmark move for the Union Territory of Ladakh, President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated three key regulations: the Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, ensuring 85% job reservation for local residents; the Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025, recognizing five official languages including Bhoti and Purgi; and amendments to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Regulation, providing for 33% reservation for women in the Leh and Kargil Hill Councils. These steps aim to empower local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance gender representation.

Why in News?

On June 3, 2025, the President of India used powers under Article 240 of the Constitution to promulgate three major regulations for Ladakh. These cover job reservation, language recognition, and women’s political representation. It aligns with long-standing demands from Ladakh’s people for cultural protection, local empowerment, and inclusive governance.

Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025

• Ensures 85% reservation in public employment for residents of Ladakh.
• Excludes reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from this 85% cap.
• Made under the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, adapted for Ladakh post-reorganization.
• Applies to entire UT of Ladakh.
• To be notified in the Official Gazette for implementation.

Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025

• Declares English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as official languages.
• English will continue to be used for pre-existing official purposes.

Promotes preservation of native languages like,

• Shina (Dardic)
• Brokskat (Dardic)
• Balti
• Ladakhi
• Provides for creation of Art, Culture, and Language Academy.
• The Administrator of Ladakh can strengthen institutional mechanisms to support these efforts.

Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025

• Reserves 1/3rd of seats in Leh and Kargil Hill Councils for women.
• Reservation will rotate among constituencies based on a serial number system.
• Aims to boost gender inclusivity in local self-governance.

Legal & Constitutional Basis

• Article 240 allows the President to legislate for Union Territories (without legislatures) by regulation.
• Derived powers from Section 58 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Significance

• Empowers local residents of Ladakh with greater job security.
• Promotes cultural preservation and linguistic diversity.
• Boosts women’s political participation, setting a benchmark for other regions.
• Reinforces inclusive and decentralized governance.