The Ladakh administration has announced that all seven districts will have their own Autonomous Hill Development Councils. These new Councils will be responsible to manage land administration, district-level recruitment, local taxation, development planning, health, education, tourism, infrastructure, and social welfare, allowing each district greater control over its governance and development priorities.It is a major step for shifting power to local communities and strengthening grassroots democracy.
The administration has also proposed a Union Territory-level body under a customised Article 371 framework, granting legislative, executive, financial, and administrative powers.The structure of this body will be finalised after consultations with Ladakh's representatives and the Central Government. Meanwhile, Panchayati Raj institutions will continue to function alongside the Hill Councils, ensuring elected representation at the village, district, and Union Territory levels.
