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
Harsh Raj is a successful government exam expert, having cleared multiple stages of SSC CGL, IBPS PO, CDS, RRB NTPC, and Delhi Police SI exams himself and mentored more than 5000 students through direct mentorship. His expertise is in creating well researched content, especially MCQs, which have been directly asked by relevant commissions in multiple exams.
Important Questions from GS3
What do you mean by Digital Rupee? In this context, explain the working and progress of India's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.'s Financial Inclusion Index.
Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.
Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How e-commerce helps to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing? Explain.
Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.
