Source: The Hindu

Context:

The recent proposal to introduce Article 371(K) (often referred to as M 371K or a new "Chapter K") marks a potential turning point in the governance of Ladakh, moving it toward a unique model of asymmetric federalism.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently proposed a sui generis (of its own kind) constitutional arrangement for the Union Territory of Ladakh. This comes after sustained demands from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for safeguards following the 2019 reorganisation.

Key Features of the Proposed Article 371(K)

The proposal seeks to bridge the gap between Ladakh's current status as a UT without a legislature and its demand for Sixth Schedule/Statehood status.

• Elected Governing Body: Creation of a directly elected Union Territory-level body with legislative, executive, and financial powers.
• Legislative Authority: The body would likely have control over sensitive local matters, including:
• Land rights and transfer of property.
• Preservation of culture and language.
• Management of forests, environment, and natural resources.
• Recruitment and employment for local residents.
• Constitutional Placement: It is proposed under Part XXI of the Constitution, which deals with "Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions" (similar to Articles 371A to 371J). 

Rationale and Significance

1. Addressing Political Alienation: Since 2019, Ladakh has been governed primarily by a bureaucratic setup under the Lieutenant Governor. This proposal aims to restore democratic representation at the UT level.
2. Alternatives to Existing Models: While the Sixth Schedule (Article 244) creates district-level autonomous councils, Article 371(K) is designed as a UT-wide legislative framework, making it a unique constitutional experiment in India.
3. Ecological and Cultural Protection: Given Ladakh's fragile high-altitude ecology and tribal-majority population (nearly 80% tribal), the provision aims to prevent demographic shifts and unregulated commercial exploitation. 

Current Status and Challenges

• Discussions: In meetings held in September 2026, the Centre and Ladakh representatives reached an "in-principle understanding" on this model.
• Drafting: As of mid-September 2026, a detailed draft of the amendment has not yet been released. Ladakh leaders have expressed that their final acceptance depends on the extent of executive and financial autonomy spelled out in the draft.
• Statehood Demand: While the LAB and KDA are considering this proposal, they have maintained that full statehood remains their long-term aspiration.