Article 371(K)

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed a new constitutional provision, referred to as Article 371(K), for the Union Territory of Ladakh.The proposal was discussed during a meeting of the MHA sub-committee with representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in New Delhi on 9 September 2026.The proposed arrangement seeks to establish a directly elected Union Territory-level governing body with legislative powers over specified local subjects.

Proposed Article 371(K)

Article 371(K) would create a special constitutional framework for Ladakh under Part XXI of the Constitution.The proposed body would be directly elected and would have legislative authority over subjects including:

• Land and property
• Culture and language
• Forests
• Environment
• Natural resources
• Other subjects falling within the relevant Union Territory framework under Article 240

The proposal is intended to create a sui generis, or unique, governance model for Ladakh.However, important questions remain unresolved. These include the proposed body’s executive powers, budgetary authority, planning powers, financial control, police and law-and-order responsibilities. No detailed draft of the proposed constitutional provision had been presented to the Ladakhi representatives at the September 9 meeting.

Why Does Ladakh Need Constitutional Safeguards?

Ladakh became a separate Union Territory without a legislature on 31 October 2019 following the reorganisation of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.Since then, local organisations have demanded greater political representation and constitutional safeguards.The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have been seeking:

• Statehood for Ladakh
• Constitutional protection for land and employment
• Sixth Schedule status
• Greater democratic representation
• Protection of Ladakh’s cultural and ecological identity

The proposed Article 371(K) represents an attempt to address some of these demands without granting full statehood.

Article 371 and Special Constitutional Provisions

Article 371 forms part of Part XXI — Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions of the Constitution.It contains special arrangements for different States and regions.Examples include:

The proposed Ladakh provision would be significant because it would extend a special constitutional governance arrangement to a Union Territory rather than a State.

Article 371(K) vs Sixth Schedule

The proposed Article 371(K) should not be confused with the Sixth Schedule. The Sixth Schedule provides constitutionally recognised autonomous district councils in tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. In contrast, the proposed Article 371(K) would create a directly elected governing body at the Union Territory level for Ladakh. The final distinction will depend on the constitutional text and the powers ultimately granted to the proposed body.

Significance

The proposal could provide Ladakh with greater democratic representation while protecting its land, culture, language and fragile Himalayan environment. It also represents an attempt to balance local demands for autonomy with Ladakh’s continued status as a Union Territory. The proposal would require a constitutional amendment and parliamentary approval before it can become law.

Article 371(K): Important Facts for Competitive Exams