**6th Schedule*

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The Demand for 6th Schedule in Ladakh: Constitutional Promises, Delays and the Struggle

In the heart of the Himalayas, Ladakh is once again restless. Although the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) recommended that Ladakh be brought under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, the central government has not implemented it, pushing people to the streets. Violent protests on September 24 claimed four lives and injured dozens. This struggle is not just about statehood, but about a greater degree of self-governance under the 6th Schedule. Why do the people of Ladakh demand this? Was Ladakh ever under the 6th Schedule before 2019? And why are the promises made by the Centre not being fulfilled? Let’s understand the 6th Schedule in detail.

6th Schedule: The Constitutional Umbrella of Tribal Self-Governance

The 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution (under Article 244(2) and 275(1)) was designed specifically for the development and protection of tribal areas in the North-East. Debated in the Constituent Assembly on September 5–7, 1949, it came into effect in 1950. It grants self-governing powers to Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the hill regions of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Under this Schedule, with the Governor’s approval, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils (RCs) can be set up. Each council can have up to 30 members (26 elected, 4 nominated). These bodies wield legislative, executive, and limited judicial powers. Their main functions include:

Land, forests, and water resources: control over land allotment, forest rights, and mining.

Cultural and social matters: regulation of marriages, inheritance, local customs, and religious practices.

Education, health, agriculture: introducing local-language education, managing health services, and framing agriculture policies.

Law-making: councils may pass local laws, but these cannot contradict state/central laws. The Governor must approve them, and the Prime Minister’s Council must be informed.

Currently, Assam has 10 ADCs, Meghalaya 3, Tripura 2, and Mizoram 3. These ensure 85% reservation for STs in local bodies, protection of land rights, and cultural preservation. The Constitution also provides special central funds for these regions (Article 275), aiding tribal development.

Was Ladakh Under the 6th Schedule Before 2019?

No. On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, and Ladakh was separated from Jammu & Kashmir to become a Union Territory (UT). Before this, Ladakh, as part of J&K, enjoyed special rights under Articles 370 and 35A (land ownership and job protections). The 6th Schedule has so far applied only to the North-Eastern states, not Ladakh. However, since 97% of Ladakh’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes, experts argue it is ideally suited for 6th Schedule protections.

Why Are Central Promises Not Implemented?

In the 2019 general elections, the BJP manifesto promised that Ladakh would be included under the 6th Schedule. The same assurance was given in the 2020 Hill Council elections. In 2019, three ministries (Home, Tribal Affairs, Law) even gave their approval for tribal safeguards in Ladakh. After 10 rounds of meetings, the Centre rejected the proposal in March 2024. Even in 2025, despite NCST’s recommendation, no implementation has followed.

The reasons cited? According to the Centre, the 6th Schedule imposes restrictions on land use and resources, which could hamper economic development. Security concerns (given Ladakh’s sensitive border with China) also weigh heavily. With the UT experiment failing to meet local aspirations, demands for statehood and the 6th Schedule have grown stronger. In September 2025, protests turned violent, and leaders like Sonam Wangchuk were arrested - fueling the movement further.

Why Do Ladakhis Want the 6th Schedule?

With a 97% Scheduled Tribe population (2011 Census), Ladakh is home to Buddhist and Muslim tribal cultures. Since UT status in 2019, the absence of a legislature, fears of outsiders buying land, and lack of strong job reservations (up to 85%) have created deep discontent. Through the 6th Schedule, Ladakhis expect:

Cultural preservation: safeguarding Ladakhi, Purgi, and Balti languages, customs, and religions.

Land rights: preventing external corporations from taking over land and mineral wealth.

Local governance: through ADCs controlling land use, education, health, and jobs.

Financial support: direct central funds for development in tourism, architecture, and local industries.

“The 6th Schedule is not just a right, but a shield for our identity and our future,” say leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB). Remarkably, both Leh (Buddhist-majority) and Kargil (Muslim-majority) have united in this demand.

From Promises to Action

The Ladakh struggle is becoming a landmark in India’s tribal rights movement. If implemented, the 6th Schedule would grant Ladakh the same kind of autonomy that North-Eastern states enjoy. The Centre must not let its promises fade but reopen negotiations in good faith. Otherwise, this beautiful Himalayan region risks further unrest.

For the people of Ladakh, the 6th Schedule is more than a constitutional safeguard - it is a fight for dignity, identity, and a secure future.