Ladakh MP Haneefa Jan on Thursday said he urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to place the long-awaited draft proposal arising from recent talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of Ladakh in the public domain at the earliest so a High-Powered Committee may consider it without delay.
MP stresses public release of consensus document
Jan, who met the Home Minister in New Delhi, said the discussions with the MHA and delegates from Ladakh — represented by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body — had reached a consensus on several issues relating to constitutional safeguards and a democratic setup for the Union Territory. He said the minutes of that meeting were finalised and signed by members from both sides, but the formal draft proposal based on the consensus remains pending.
"I reminded the Home Minister that during the recent discussions between MHA and representatives of Ladakh... a consensus was reached on several important issues... However, the Draft Proposal based on this consensus is still awaited. I urged that it be brought forward and placed in the public domain at the earliest," Jan said.
Jan said he had a "detailed and fruitful meeting" with Shah on the "long-pending demands and important developmental issues of Ladakh", and that the Home Minister gave a "patient and positive hearing" to the matters raised.
Demands on administrative safeguards and jobs
Among the specific demands Jan reiterated during the meeting were the creation of a Ladakh Public Service Commission (PPSC) and the need to expedite pending government recruitments so that the youth of Ladakh are not disadvantaged by delays. He described these issues as part of the remaining items under a four-point agenda agreed earlier between Ladakh representatives and the MHA.
Jan also pressed for a review of parliamentary representation for the Union Territory, reiterating the demand for two Lok Sabha constituencies for Ladakh, citing its vast geographical expanse and unique administrative circumstances.
Justice BS Chauhan Committee report flagged
The MP further urged early submission of the Justice BS Chauhan Committee report, saying its timely presentation is important so that affected families and people in Ladakh can receive justice, according to his account of the meeting.
Jan characterised the Home Minister's response as receptive, saying Shah assured that the concerns raised would be looked into on priority. "I am grateful for his time, understanding and assurance, and remain hopeful of early progress on these long-pending issues in the interest of the people of Ladakh," he said.
Practical stakes for Ladakh residents
The issues Jan highlighted carry immediate practical consequences for the Union Territory. A local public service commission would, if constituted, handle recruitment and cadre management for several government posts, potentially speeding up hiring processes and creating a locally accountable mechanism for public employment. Faster recruitments were framed as essential to prevent gaps in service delivery and to address unemployment among Ladakh's youth.
Similarly, any change in parliamentary representation — such as adding a second Lok Sabha seat — would require legal and administrative steps and would reshape political representation for remote districts, affecting allocation of resources and legislative attention.
- Draft proposal: Sought to be placed in public domain for High-Powered Committee consideration.
- Ladakh Public Service Commission: Demand reiterated to fast-track local recruitment mechanism.
- Two parliamentary constituencies: Requested owing to Ladakh's geographical and administrative uniqueness.
- Justice BS Chauhan Committee report: Urged for early submission so affected families obtain justice.
Jan's intervention follows months of negotiations between Ladakh stakeholders and the Centre over constitutional safeguards and governance arrangements after the UT's formation. While minutes and signatures indicate progress in talks, the step of placing a consolidated draft in the public domain remains a central demand of local representatives seeking transparency and wider consultation before formal approvals.
| Issue | Status (as stated by MP) |
|---|---|
| Draft proposal from MHA-Ladakh talks | Signed minutes; draft not yet released publicly |
| Ladakh Public Service Commission | Demand reiterated; awaiting Centre's action |
| Parliamentary constituencies | Request for two constituencies raised |
| Justice BS Chauhan Committee report | MP urged early submission |
The MP's account indicates expectations of administrative movement at the Centre. Any next steps — the public release of the draft, formal consideration by a High-Powered Committee, establishment of a PPSC or changes in parliamentary seats — will require decisions by the Home Ministry and, in some cases, wider procedural processes.
For now, Jan said he will continue to follow up with the Union Home Ministry and press for timely action on the matters he raised in the interest of Ladakh's development and governance.
