In a move that could significantly reshape the administrative landscape of Ladakh, the Union Territory is set to witness the creation of five new districts, three in Leh and two in Kargil. The proposal, backed by political representatives and local administrative bodies, is seen as a landmark decision ahead of the crucial elections scheduled for September–October this year.
The decision is in response to long-standing demands from various regions within Ladakh for improved governance, enhanced administrative outreach, and equitable development. Government sources stated that the creation of these districts aims to ensure the improved delivery of public services, enhanced infrastructure, and more localized governance in the remote and often inaccessible regions of the UT.
Sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that, a high-level delegation from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh is preparing for a crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The meeting, expected to take place in the coming days, will cover a range of issues including the upcoming elections, the need for delimitation following the announcement of new districts, and broader concerns about governance and representation in the region.
Officials privy to the matter said that the delegation will seek the Home Minister’s immediate attention on the reorganization of district boundaries, proper legal and administrative sanction for the new districts, and necessary updates to the electoral framework ahead of the September–October polls.
The demand for new districts is not new. Over the past several years, people from Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, Drass, and other remote areas have repeatedly voiced concern over administrative neglect. With Leh and Kargil headquarters located far from many of these regions, locals have struggled to access basic public services, government offices, and developmental schemes. The new districts are expected to decentralize power, bring the administration closer to the people, and empower local governance systems.
While the final names and boundaries of the new districts have yet to be officially disclosed, sources indicated that Nubra, Changthang, and a third area in Leh are being considered, while in Kargil, the focus is on granting district status to Zanskar and Drass, two of the most isolated and often neglected regions of the division.
Apart from the creation of new districts, the LAHDC delegation is also expected to push for clarity on delimitation guidelines and timelines for publishing updated electoral rolls. Given the short window before the elections, the delegation will press for urgent action and firm assurances from the Centre. [KNT]
