Examiner News Desk | Leh:
Ladakh is likely to receive special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution as an “exceptional case”, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Friday, signalling a significant step towards addressing the Union Territory’s long-standing demands for greater constitutional safeguards.
Rijiju said the Centre was working on extending special provisions to Ladakh under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed confidence that the proposal would materialise soon.
“Ladakh is very close to the heart of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Rijiju said while addressing the Silver Jubilee Founder’s Day function of Druk Padma Karpo School at Shey in Leh district, where he was the chief guest.
The Union Minister said the Ministry of Home Affairs was working on the matter and that the proposed provisions would enable the people of Ladakh to benefit from additional constitutional safeguards.
Rijiju also said Prime Minister Modi had a longstanding desire to visit Ladakh and interact with its people, expressing hope that the visit could take place soon.
Highlighting the transformation witnessed by Ladakh over the past 25 years, Rijiju said the Union Territory had made significant progress, particularly during the last decade.
He pointed to improvements in road infrastructure and connectivity, noting that journeys between different parts of Ladakh that once took several days could now be completed within a few hours.
Referring to the recent creation of new districts in the Union Territory, Rijiju said the administrative reorganisation would improve governance and bring government services closer to the people.
He also recalled the long-standing demand for Union Territory status, saying that the demand had ultimately been fulfilled.
The Union Minister further said that a High Court bench would be established in Ladakh in the near future, which, he said, would make access to justice more convenient for residents.
Speaking about minority affairs, Rijiju said he was the first Buddhist to serve in the Union Cabinet and attributed the development to the government’s emphasis on providing equal opportunities to members of minority communities.
He said the Centre remained committed to the development and welfare of all minority communities and was implementing various initiatives aimed at ensuring inclusive growth.
Addressing students at the event, Rijiju urged them to remain connected with their cultural roots, traditions and heritage while adapting to a rapidly changing world.
He cautioned young people against blindly following trends and influences circulating on the internet, warning that certain online content could have negative consequences.
Some online influences, he said, could contribute to harmful behaviour and, in some cases, lead to violence and law-and-order challenges.
Rijiju’s remarks came during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Druk Padma Karpo School, an institution known for its educational and cultural significance in Ladakh.
Senior officials of the Ladakh administration, along with representatives of religious institutions and civil society organisations, attended the function.
