What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
LEH, LADAKH: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Monday announced that the central administration will establish five additional districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The newly formed districts include Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. Currently, Ladakh comprises two districts, Leh and Kargil. With this development, the Union Territory will now have a total of seven districts.
In pursuit of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision to build a developed and prosperous Ladakh, the MHA has decided to create five new districts in the union territory. The new districts, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang, will take the benefits meant for the people…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 26, 2024
In a post on X, Mr Shah stated, “In alignment with Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji’s goal to create a thriving and prosperous Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs has resolved to establish five new districts in the Union Territory. The new districts, specifically Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang, will ensure that the benefits intended for the populace reach their doorstep by enhancing governance in every corner.”
The Union Home Minister further emphasized, “The Modi administration is dedicated to generating numerous opportunities for the people of Ladakh.” Shah noted that the new districts “will ensure that the benefits intended for the populace reach their doorstep by enhancing governance in every corner.” He also mentioned, “The Union Territory has been advocating for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard its tribal identity, culture, land, and resources.”
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The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, of 2019, divided the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, which has an Assembly, and Ladakh, which does not have a legislature.
Subsequently, central laws were made applicable in these two Union Territories, with law and order powers resting with the Union government. This decision follows the announcement of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September, marking the first elections since the abrogation of the state’s special status in 2019.
Speaking to The New Indian, Ladakh political activist Sajjad Kargili said, “We welcome the decision made by the Government of India. However, I urge for an amendment to include the Suru Valley region as a district as well. Excluding the Sankoo Suru region from district status is an injustice to its residents.”
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He further questioned, “It is also crucial to clarify whether these new districts will be fully operational with complete powers and responsibilities, or if they will merely replicate the earlier sub-divisions, where authority has yet to be transferred.”
He added that “the creation of new districts can only be truly beneficial if accompanied by the establishment of an assembly and further democratic processes. Otherwise, there is a risk of adding bureaucratic layers in Ladakh instead of enhancing democratic governance.”
