Ladakh’s New Recruitment Rules: In a major step to safeguard local interests, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced new rules for government jobs, language use, and local governance in Ladakh. These changes aim to protect the rights of Ladakh’s indigenous communities while offering a clear policy on who qualifies as a resident.

As per the 2011 Census, the total population of Ladakh was 2,74,289, and nearly 80% of them are tribals.

Under the new rules, 85% of government jobs in Ladakh will be reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs). This is part of a broader effort to ensure employment remains accessible to Ladakh’s native population, which forms a significant tribal majority.

To apply for these jobs, applicants will need a domicile certificate, which will only be granted to those who have lived in Ladakh for 15 years or more, starting from October 31, 2019. People who moved to Ladakh after 2019 will only become eligible for domicile status in 2034. The rule also considers long-term study, local parentage, or government service in the region as valid criteria.

The new policy follows a May 27, 2025, meeting between civil society groups and MHA officials, aimed at addressing concerns about cultural preservation and job security for locals.

In another progressive move, one-third of seats in hill councils will now be reserved for women, strengthening gender representation in local governance.

The UT has also officially recognised English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as its official languages, reflecting the region’s cultural diversity.

Currently, government job reservations in Ladakh include 80% for STs, 4% for residents near border areas, 1% for Scheduled Castes, and 10% for economically weaker sections.
Earlier, on December 3, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposed giving 95% of government jobs in Ladakh to residents and reserving one-third of hill council seats for women. This was part of ongoing talks with Ladakh’s civil society to address the region’s long-standing demands.