Committee formed for preservation of Ladakh’s land, culture and language
The Government of India recently formed a committee to protect language, land, culture of Ladakh and ensure participation of citizens in the development of Union Territory. The Committee is to be headed by Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy. It will include elected representatives from Ladakh, central government and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development council.
Why was the Kishan Reddy Committee formed?
A ten-member delegation from Ladakh met Home Minister Amit Shah to express their concerns about the threat to the unique culture, language and demography of the region in the development process. Concerns have also been raised about the rights and demand for the inclusion in the sixth schedule. Earlier, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes had recommended the inclusion of Ladakh under the sixth schedule.
What are the main provisions of Sixth Schedule?
- The Sixth Schedule has provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram.
- The sixth schedule has provisions for constitution of autonomous districts and councils to frame laws to protect interests of the tribal.
- The Sixth Schedule was constituted under Article 244.
- It currently holds provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Mizoram. It was passed by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. It seeks to safeguard the Autonomous District Councils.
Why should Ladakh be included in Sixth Schedule?
More than 90% of Ladakh population is tribal. The primary Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh are Bot, Balti Beda, Brokpa, Changpa, Mon, Garra and Purigpa. Including Ladakh in the sixth schedule will help to enhance the transfer of funds for speedy development of the region.
What is National Commission for Scheduled Tribes?
The commission was established under the 89th Amendment Act, 2003. It monitors matters related to safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution. It advises the planning process of socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes. It also evaluates the development in the union and in the state.
Related Posts
Month: Current Affairs - January, 2021