5 New Districts to be Created in Ladakh, Raising Total to 7; PM Modi Highlights Increased Focus on Development

On Monday, August 26, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the creation of 5 new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The new districts will be named Zanskar, Drass, Shams, Nubra, and Changthang.

Prior to this announcement, Ladakh had only two districts: Leh and Kargil. With the addition of the new districts, the total number will now be seven.

Amit Shah tweeted on X, “The Modi government has decided to create 5 new districts in Ladakh. The government is committed to strengthening governance at every street and neighborhood level to increase opportunities for the people.”

On August 5, 2019, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories. Ladakh became one of these Union Territories.

Article 370 was revoked, placing Ladakh directly under the control of the Union Home Ministry.

PM Modi Praises New Districts in Ladakh, Sees it as a Step Towards Better Governance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the decision to create 5 new districts in Ladakh, calling it a step towards better governance. In a post on X, he stated, “The creation of 5 new districts in Ladakh is a step towards improved governance and prosperity. 

With more focus on Zanskar, Drass, Shams, Nubra, and Changthang, services and opportunities will come closer to the people. Congratulations to the people of Ladakh.”

From a geographical perspective, Ladakh is a vast Union Territory. Currently, Ladakh has two districts: Leh and Kargil. It is one of the least populated regions in India. Due to its remote and challenging terrain, district administration has faced numerous difficulties reaching the grassroots level. 

With the establishment of these new districts, the central government and Ladakh administration will be able to reach people more effectively.

Home Ministry Requests Report on New District Formation in Ladakh

The Home Ministry has instructed the Ladakh administration to form a committee to evaluate all aspects related to the creation of new districts, including district headquarters, boundaries, infrastructure, and position establishment. The committee is required to submit its report within three months.

Following the receipt of this report, the Union Territory of Ladakh will prepare a final proposal based on the findings and send it to the Home Ministry for further action.

Demand for Full State Status for Ladakh

The people of Ladakh are advocating for full state status and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule. They argue that if full statehood is not granted, Ladakh should at least have a legislative assembly while remaining a Union Territory.

On March 4, a meeting was held between the Home Ministry and two major organizations from Ladakh: the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). During this meeting, the Home Ministry was urged to grant Ladakh full state status and to maintain its special status.