Jammu: The Ladakh groups, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), have initiated discussions on reserving 95 percent of jobs for local residents. The meeting focused on employment opportunities and was part of a broader conversation on Ladakh’s administrative future.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, a sub-committee formed by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened with senior ministry officials. The discussions addressed the Sixth Schedule, statehood for the union territory, and other important demands. Sajjad Kargili, a KDA activist who participated in the meeting, confirmed the agreement to reserve a significant portion of jobs for locals, detailing allocations for various groups.

The agreed-upon reservation plan includes 80 percent for Scheduled Tribes, four percent for residents of the Actual Line of Control, 10 percent for economically weaker sections, and one percent for Scheduled Castes. Additionally, it was decided that five percent of jobs would be available to non-ST individuals who have resided in Ladakh for at least 15 years and hold domicile status.

The discussions also covered the recruitment process for gazetted and non-gazetted positions. A consensus was reached that the recruitment for pending gazetted cadre roles will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The decision on whether Ladakh will establish its own Public Service Commission or affiliate with the Jammu and Kashmir PSC remains pending.

Since Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the region has not filled any gazetted posts due to the absence of a Public Service Commission. The Ladakh groups and MHA officials are scheduled to reconvene on February 15 to further discuss these issues.