Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.
Post-2019 Union Territory status and heightened Sino-Indian tensions (Galwan, 2020) make Ladakh's development-cum-integration critical.
Border Area Development Programme (BADP):
- Centrally-sponsored scheme covering blocks along international borders.
- Funds education, health, roads, drinking water, skill development.
- In Ladakh, supports remote villages in Nyoma, Chushul, Turtuk, filling infrastructure gaps abandoned by market forces.
- Complements the Vibrant Villages Programme (2023) for first villages along LAC.
Army's Civic Actions — Operation Sadbhavana:
- Runs schools (Army Goodwill Schools), medical camps, veterinary aid.
- Skill development, women empowerment, national-integration tours for youth.
- Adventure training, sports infrastructure.
- Builds mutual trust; locals become the Army's eyes and ears in border intelligence.
Sixth Schedule Demand:
- Ladakhis, led by the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance, demand Sixth-Schedule protection to safeguard tribal identity (over 97% ST population), land, jobs, culture and fragile ecology from outsider influx.
- Also seek statehood, Public Service Commission and dual parliamentary seats.
- Government has constituted a High-Powered Committee for dialogue.
Genuine autonomy strengthens border security.
Answered By:
Harsh Raj
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