The Central Government announced plans to establish Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDC) in all seven districts of the Union Territory of Ladakh under Article 371 of the Constitution. Currently, only Leh and Kargil have Hill Councils (LAHDC Leh and LAHDC Kargil). The move aims to strengthen local self-governance, empower tribal communities, and improve grassroots administration in Ladakh. Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature on August 5, 2019, under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Article 371 contains special provisions for certain states and UTs.
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Central Government to Establish Autonomous Hill Development Councils in All 7 Ladakh Districts Under Article 371
Key Points
- The Central Government announced plans to establish Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDC) in all seven districts of the Union Territory of Ladakh under Article 371 of the Constitution
- Currently, only Leh and Kargil have Hill Councils (LAHDC Leh and LAHDC Kargil)
- The move aims to strengthen local self-governance, empower tribal communities, and improve grassroots administration in Ladakh
- Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature on August 5, 2019, under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
- Article 371 contains special provisions for certain states and UTs
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• Ladakh: AHDC in all 7 districts announced; Article 371; July 14, 2026 • Currently: LAHDC Leh + LAHDC Kargil only; now extending to all 7 districts • Ladakh UT (no legislature): since August 5, 2019; J&K Reorganisation Act 2019 • Article 371: special provisions for certain states/UTs; Ladakh: LG governs; no elected legislature
