The government of Jammu and Kashmir has recently announced significant changes to its administrative divisions. Most notably, the long-standing region of Ladakh has been granted a divisional status. This move allows for three administrative units within the state: Jammu, Kashmir, and newly formed Ladakh.
Creation of Ladakh as a Separate Administrative and Revenue Division
The Jammu & Kashmir government has now officially recognized Ladakh as an independent administrative and revenue division. This division includes the two districts of Leh and Kargil, with the headquarters set to be in Leh. In the past, Ladakh was part of the larger Kashmir division. However, this recent distinction affirms Ladakh’s autonomy and importance within the state.
The recognition of Ladakh as an individual division comes after the establishment of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC). These councils, both in Leh and Kargil, were created to increase the autonomy of the Ladakh region and to give them more local administrative powers.
Comparative Geography and Division Sizes
In terms of geographical sizes, the three divisions very considerably. The smallest division is now Kashmir valley, with an area of 15,948 sq. km. Following this, the Jammu division spans 26,293 sq. km. Lastly, Ladakh, now the largest division, covers an enormous 86,909 sq. km.
| Division | Area (in sq. km) |
|---|---|
| Kashmir valley | 15,948 |
| Jammu | 26,293 |
| Ladakh | 86,909 |
Reasons for the Divisional Status
The decision to establish Ladakh as an independent division came about due to its unique geographical and developmental challenges. Ladakh is isolated from the rest of the country for nearly six months during winter, leaving air travel via Leh as the only viable transportation method. This poses significant obstacles for locals attempting to access other parts of the country. As a result, it has been challenging to effectively deliver developmental schemes, resolve public grievances, and conduct administrative affairs. Given these issues, it was deemed appropriate to establish Ladakh as a separate division to better address these needs.
About Ladakh
Ladakh is a sparsely populated region in Jammu and Kashmir, seated high on a plateau over 9,800 feet above sea level. It is home to a population of 1.33 lakh. In terms of ethnicity, Ladakh primarily consists of Buddhists (77.30%), followed by Muslims (13.78%), and Hindus (8.16%). The distinctive cultural and physical features of Ladakh have undoubtedly contributed to its recognition as an independent division within the state.
The Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997 and Beyond
Under the 1997 Act, Hill Development Councils were created for both the Leh and Kargil Districts. These councils aimed to provide greater autonomy and local administrative power to the people of Ladakh. In 2018, the LAHDC Act was amended to further strengthen these councils and provide them with additional powers. This was yet another step toward full recognition of Ladakh as a standalone division, leading us to the recent developments of this year.
