New Delhi, June 3, 2025
The President of India has promulgated an ordinance amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, extending its provisions to the Union Territory of Ladakh. The ordinance introduces a provision for 85% reservation in professional and technical institutions for locally domiciled residents of Ladakh.
The move comes amid ongoing demands from Ladakh-based student bodies and socio-political groups seeking protection for local populations in education and employment sectors post the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the former state.
Key Highlights of the Ordinance
• The ordinance inserts Section 15A into the J&K Reservation Act, allowing its selective applicability to Ladakh.
• It mandates 85% reservation of seats in professional or technical institutions funded or controlled by the UT administration for local residents.
• The definition of a “resident of Ladakh” is to be prescribed by the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, enabling localized eligibility criteria.
This legislative step was necessitated due to the inapplicability of the previous reservation laws in Ladakh after the formation of the UT in 2019. With no independent legislation enacted for Ladakh until now, this ordinance fills a legal vacuum regarding reservations.
Background & Demand for Local Safeguards
Ever since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, there has been growing concern in Ladakh about the protection of jobs, land, and educational opportunities for its indigenous populations. In 2023 and 2024, there were multiple protests, including a joint front formed by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, demanding constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and local reservations.
The new ordinance is seen as a partial response to these demands.
Legal and Administrative Implications
Legal experts have noted that while this ordinance does not create a standalone Ladakh-specific reservation statute, it leverages the existing legal infrastructure of the J&K Reservation Act to deliver targeted benefits. It will now be up to the Ladakh administration to define local residency and implement admissions accordingly.
A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the ordinance aims to “ensure fair access to educational opportunities for local youth in Ladakh” and was enacted using the President’s powers under Article 123 of the Constitution, due to Parliament not being in session.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Leaders from both Leh and Kargil welcomed the move, calling it a “long-overdue acknowledgment of local aspirations.” However, some activists noted that demands for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule remain unaddressed.
Meanwhile, student bodies have expressed cautious optimism, calling for transparent implementation and further steps to ensure employment security.
