Q. Brief us about the New District Committee.

In pursuit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed and prosperous Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to create five new districts in the Union Territory. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that this historic decision to strengthen administration by establishing the new districts—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—will enable local residents to access government schemes more effectively and benefit from them at their doorstep.
Along with granting “in-principle approval” for the formation of these five new districts, the New District Committee was established on September 25, 2024. This five-member committee is tasked with assessing various aspects related to the formation of the new districts, including headquarters, boundaries, structural organization, and the creation of posts.

The committee is expected to submit its report within three months. Upon receiving the report, the Union Territory of Ladakh will prepare a final proposal regarding the creation of the new districts based on the committee’s findings and submit it to the Home Ministry for further action.

Q. The committee visited Zanskar and the Changthang region and interacted with various stakeholders. Tell us about your visit.

The demand for district status has been a long-standing aspiration of the people in the Zanskar and Changthang regions, primarily due to their geographical challenges and connectivity issues. The desire for good governance at the doorstep stems from the hardships these communities face. In this context, the announcement of district status for this region is one of the most significant decisions made by the government. We witnessed the enthusiasm and happiness among the people regarding this decision, as they view it as a major achievement in their lives.

During our interactions with the residents of Zanskar and Changthang, we specifically engaged with local representatives, including current and former councillors, Sarpanches, Nambardars, and various civil society groups. The purpose of these meetings was to gather local perspectives to enhance governance and improve service accessibility in remote areas. We aimed to solicit suggestions, grievances, and feedback from individuals across all walks of life to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs and aspirations.

The committee is committed to conducting a thorough study of their concerns and will carefully consider all feedback received to ensure we do justice to the people's aspirations in our work.

Q. Considering that Ladakh shares two international boundaries, how is the committee addressing border security and the needs and aspirations of the people living in these border areas while demarcating the boundaries of the new districts?

We are taking into account the needs, aspirations, grievances, and expectations of the local population, whether related to boundary demarcation, security, civil administration concerns, or any other issues. Our committee will thoroughly examine and consider factors that directly or indirectly impact the lives of the people in these border areas.
The boundary demarcation of the new districts will be determined transparently, considering all aspects such as area, demographics, distances, and geographical and cultural factors. Our sole purpose is to enhance the lives of the people, improve administration, and ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Q. There is an ongoing border dispute in areas around Shinku La between Himachal Pradesh and UT Ladakh. How is the committee addressing this dispute while demarcating the boundaries of Zanskar district?

The border dispute at Shinku La is an interstate boundary issue. It requires the UT Ladakh and the State of Himachal Pradesh to engage in dialogue and work towards a resolution. While the committee's primary role is to demarcate inter-district boundaries, we will certainly highlight this issue in our report.

Q. Since we have two Hill Councils, one each for Leh and Kargil, how will the Hill Councils function after the creation of the new districts? Will the existing Hill Councils be empowered, changed, or will new Hill Councils be established in each district?

The future structure and function of the Hill Councils in Leh and Kargil are crucial topics of discussion as we move forward with the creation of new districts in Ladakh. We are actively engaging with various stakeholders, including local leaders, community representatives, and residents, to gather diverse opinions and suggestions on this matter.
Currently, there are several proposals on the table such as amendment of the existing LAHDC Act, establishishing regional councils, forming a single UT council  and creating new district councils.

Our committee is committed to thoroughly evaluating all these suggestions. We aim to develop a solution that not only addresses the administrative needs of the new districts but also empowers local communities and enhances governance. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that we create a framework that is sustainable, effective, and responsive to the aspirations of the residents of Ladakh. 

Q. There are rising concerns regarding the establishment of district headquarters in the newly proposed districts. What do you have to say about this?

We fully acknowledge the concerns expressed by the community regarding the establishment of district headquarters in the newly proposed districts. It is vital for people to voice their views and opinions, and it is our responsibility to listen to all perspectives and seek solutions that serve the best interests of all stakeholders involved.
When considering the location for district headquarters, there are several critical factors to evaluate. These include existing infrastructure, accessibility, geographic location, and the overall area’s demographics. We must also assess the specific needs of the region and identify what is lacking in terms of development and services.

Our approach will be comprehensive and collaborative, ensuring that all relevant aspects are thoroughly examined. The final decision regarding the location of district headquarters will be made with careful consideration of these factors, aiming to promote effective governance, service delivery, and community well-being in the new districts.

Q. How do you see the role of the Hill Council in this process?

I am very optimistic about the cooperation and support of the Hill Council in this process. We have yet to meet with them to discuss, but I believe their involvement will be crucial in ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the local communities are effectively addressed.

Q. What are the committee's further plans?

The committee plans to visit the Drass, Nubra, and Sham areas to continue our engagement with local communities. In the meantime, we have met with the Lieutenant Governor to seek his guidance and advice, as well as with key officials, including the Advisor, ADGP, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and Heads of Departments, to gather diverse opinions and feedback.

We are also interacting with individuals from various backgrounds, including civil society representatives, NGOs, and media personnel. Our goal is to understand the unique perspectives of these stakeholders and to frame a concrete, reliable, and people-friendly solution that addresses the needs and aspirations of the local population. 

Message to the Readers

“The committee is touring all the proposed districts, and we encourage the public to submit their memoranda, suggestions, feedback, and grievances via email or letters. This input will help us compile a concrete and people-friendly set of recommendations.”