Meeting likely between LAHDC Leh delegation and HM

New Delhi/Leh, July 22: A significant meeting is on the cards as a senior delegation from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.The talks are expected to center on key political and administrative matters shaping the future of Ladakh.The timing of the meeting is crucial, as the tenure of the current LAHDC Leh Council is set to end by October–November, with elections likely between September and October. Ensuring a transparent, timely, and inclusive electoral process will be a central agenda of the delegation.Governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2015, LAHDC Leh contrasts sharply with its Kargil counterpart, where the 2023 elections were swept by the National Conference–Congress alliance—signaling political realignment in the region.Among the key issues to be discussed are preparations for the LAHDC Leh elections, implementation of 33% reservation for women, a potential fresh delimitation of constituencies, and the formal establishment of five new districts across Ladakh.In a landmark move earlier this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs approved one-third reservation for women in both Leh and Kargil Hill Councils. With each council comprising 30 members (26 elected and 4 nominated), the new provision will allocate approximately 8 to 9 seats for women, significantly advancing gender representation in grassroots governance.Reflecting swift administrative action, the Election Department has already begun identifying constituencies to be reserved for women candidates.Another major reform on the table is the creation of five new districts: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. The new districts are split between Leh (Sham, Nubra, Changthang) and Kargil (Zanskar, Drass). Announced in August last year, work on finalizing their administrative boundaries, headquarters, and staffing is nearing completion.A key decision remains pending on whether these new districts will operate within the current Hill Council framework or under a separate administrative mechanism.Notably, in April this year, LAHDC Leh passed the 33% Women’s Reservation Bill, marking a pivotal shift in empowering women through local governance reforms. The legislation, passed during a general council meeting, aligns with broader national objectives of inclusive development and political empowerment of women.