Leh, July 13 (NVI): The Ladakh administration on Monday announced that an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) will be constituted in each of the Union Territory’s seven districts, describing the move as a significant step towards democratic decentralisation and strengthening grassroots governance.
Addressing a press conference here, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the decision follows the creation of five new districts earlier this year and is in line with the provisions of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act.
He said Section 3(1) of the Act provides for the constitution of a Hill Council in every district through a government notification, adding that only necessary amendments to the Act and delimitation of constituencies remain before the process is completed.
The announcement comes months after Ladakh was expanded from two districts to seven with the creation of Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass in April 2026. Until now, elected Hill Councils existed only in Leh and Kargil.
Kundra said the new Councils would enjoy the same powers as those in Leh and Kargil, including authority over land ownership and allotment, district cadre recruitment and promotions, preparation of district development plans, and administration of sectors such as health, education, tourism, local infrastructure and social welfare.
He said each Council would also have its own dedicated Council Fund and powers to levy taxes and fees, enabling the newly created districts to manage their own development priorities.
The Chief Secretary further said the administration has proposed the creation of a Union Territory-level body under a customised Article 371 framework to function above the seven Hill Councils with legislative, executive, financial and administrative powers.
He said the structure and powers of the proposed body would be finalised through consultations between Ladakh’s representatives and the Centre, and may involve a redistribution of powers between the UT level body and the Hill Councils.
Kundra also clarified that Panchayati Raj institutions would continue to function alongside the Hill Councils, ensuring elected representation at the village, district and Union Territory levels.—(NVI)
