The Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, has announced the formation of five additional districts in Ladakh, bringing the total to seven from two. The new districts—Sham, Nubra, and Changthang in Leh, and Zanskar and Drass in Kargil—are intended to enhance governance and bring services closer to inhabitants. A committee will evaluate several features of the new districts, including boundaries, headquarters, and administrative structures, and report back within three months.
Political groups and organisations in Ladakh, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), applauded the decision, while they continue to advocate for statehood and Sixth Schedule status. The LAB and KDA want to continue their campaign with a padayatra to New Delhi beginning September 1.
Despite some regional unhappiness with district distributions, many regard this as a step towards improved governance. Concerns exist regarding whether the new districts will have autonomous hill development councils similar to those in Leh and Kargil or if a single regional council will be established. The government has not extended the Sixth Schedule or conferred statehood, but newly formed districts will now receive special administrative attention.
