MHA Proposed Reservation of 95% Jobs for Locals in Ladakh

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed 95% reservation in government jobs for locals in Ladakh.

About the Proposed Decisions for Ladakh

• 95% Job Reservation for Ladakhis: 95% reservation in government jobs for local people with ST status in Ladakh.
• Gazetted posts will be filled through Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), not through the DANICS.
• One-Third Reservation for Women in Hill Councils: 33% reservation for women in both Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC).
• The councils have 30 seats each, with elections held for 26 seats. 8-9 seats will be reserved for women.
• Constitutional Safeguards: A draft will be proposed to ensure constitutional safeguards for preserving Ladakh’s land and culture.
• The government will declare Urdu and Bhoti as official languages of Ladakh.

Challenges Post-Article 370 Abrogation

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh has faced protests, with people pushing for:

• Statehood for Ladakh.
• Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for tribal status.
• Job reservations for locals.
• A parliamentary seat for each of Leh and Kargil.

Arguments in favour of Reservation of Jobs in States

• Addresses Regional Disparities: Ensures job opportunities for people from underdeveloped or remote regions, promoting regional balance and development.
• Reduces Migration: By offering local employment opportunities, reservation can reduce migration to larger cities, which alleviates urban overcrowding and ensures balanced regional development.
• Encourages Local Talent Development: Reservation helps develop and utilize local talent, leading to a more skilled workforce within the state, which can contribute to long-term growth.
• Boosts Economic Development: Unlocks the potential of marginalized communities, contributing to overall economic growth and reducing inequality.
• Constitutional Mandate: Affirmative action is constitutionally supported to ensure the upliftment of socially and economically backward groups.
• Improves Government Services: Local representation in government jobs ensures more responsive and regionally aware public service delivery.

Arguments against Reservation of Jobs in States

• Undermines Meritocracy: Reservation can lead to the selection of less qualified candidates, prioritizing quotas over merit and potentially lowering job standards.
• Encourages Regionalism: Reservation based on state or regional criteria can fuel regional disparities, division, and resentment between different areas of the country.
• Hinders National Unity: It can deepen the divide between states, as individuals from other regions may feel excluded or discriminated against, undermining the idea of national integration.