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10 September 2026

MHA proposal for Ladakh under Article 371

The proposal involves a significant constitutional amendment regarding the governance structure of a Union Territory and the application of Article 371, which directly relates to federalism and constitutional evolution.

1 min read Day 2 of 3 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The MHA has proposed a new constitutional provision, 'Chapter K', under Article 371 for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • The proposal aims to create an elected UT-level body with legislative powers over land, culture, language, forests, environment, and natural resources.
  • Article 371, located in Part XXI of the Constitution, currently covers 12 states (Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, and Karnataka).
  • Ladakh has been a Union Territory without a legislative assembly since the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
  • The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are the primary groups representing local demands for constitutional safeguards.
  • The proposed model is described by the administration as a 'Sui-generis' governance structure intended to deepen democracy.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 3 in Centre-Ladakh Constitutional and Administrative Negotiations, which has been running since 9 September 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of Article 371 in the Indian Constitution and evaluate the implications of extending such special provisions to Union Territories for local governance and federal balance. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
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  2. The demand for constitutional safeguards in Union Territories often highlights the tension between centralized administration and the aspirations for local autonomy. In the context of the proposed governance models for Ladakh, analyze how 'Sui-generis' constitutional arrangements can address regional concerns regarding land, culture, and natural resources while maintaining the integrity of the federal structure. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which part of the Indian Constitution contains the 'Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions' under which Article 371 is categorized?

  2. As of the current constitutional framework, which of the following states is NOT covered under the existing chapters of Article 371?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-10/mha-proposal-for-ladakh-under-article-371