Wed Jan 15 17:29:35 UTC 2025: ## Ladakh Land Rights and Domicile Policy Progress After Renewed Talks

**New Delhi, January 16, 2025** – Following renewed talks between Ladakhi civil society leaders and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), significant progress has been made on land rights and domicile policies in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The MHA is considering a proposal to regularize vast tracts of “Nautor” land – wasteland traditionally cultivated by locals – in the names of long-term users. This practice, originating in a 1932 rule, has been a point of contention, especially since Ladakh’s special status was revoked in 2019. The regularization is seen as a crucial step to address local concerns about outsiders acquiring resources in the fragile region. While Leh district alone has over 14,400 acres of Nautor land, figures for Kargil are unavailable.

A consensus has also been reached on a domicile policy, ensuring 95% reservation of government jobs for permanent residents. While domiciles (long-term residents who aren’t natives) can also apply, the proposal seeks to extend the required residency period from 15 to 20 years, and limit domicile applicability to only 5% of government jobs. Recruitment for gazetted posts has been stalled since Ladakh became a UT. The process of issuing domicile certificates is currently being developed by the Law Department.

Furthermore, discussions continue on granting Ladakh tribal status under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and elevating it to statehood with a legislative assembly. The inclusion of additional Ladakhi languages besides Urdu and Bhoti is also under consideration.

The high-powered committee, chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, resumed talks after a period of stalemate, prompted in part by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike. The renewed dialogue marks a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns within the Ladakhi community.

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