Centre Proposes Article 371-K for Ladakh: Elected Legislative Body vs Sixth Schedule Demand

Centre Proposes Article 371(K) for Ladakh: Directly Elected Body with Legislative Powers

The Centre has proposed adding Article 371(K) to the Constitution to grant Ladakh a directly elected governing body with legislative powers over land, culture, forests, and natural resources. This marks a potential shift from the Sixth Schedule model used in the Northeast and is the first such special provision for a Union Territory. The proposal remains a draft, with key powers like police and finance still under negotiation.

MHA Seeks Input on Composition of Proposed Ladakh UT-Level Body Under Article 371(K)

The Centre is proposing a unique governance model for Ladakh under Article 371(K), avoiding statehood or full legislature. This has implications for federalism, constitutional amendments, and special provisions for regions. MHA's questionnaire seeks specifics on the new body's composition and powers, indicating progress in negotiations.

Centre Proposes Sui Generis Model for Ladakh Under Article 371(K), Needs 2/3 Parliament Majority

The Centre has proposed a unique 'sui generis' governance model for Ladakh, distinct from statehood or a UT with legislature. The new framework will be embedded via a constitutional amendment under Article 371(K), requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This is a key development for aspirants tracking special provisions and Union Territory governance.

MHA Proposes Chapter K Under Article 371: Elected Body for Ladakh UT

The MHA has proposed a new constitutional provision under Article 371 (Chapter K) to establish an elected body with legislative powers for the Union Territory of Ladakh. This is a major structural reform addressing demands since Ladakh lost its special status in 2019, with key implications for federalism and UT governance.

7 Years After Article 370 Revocation: J&K Still Awaits Statehood, Per Capita Income Ratio Falls to 76.6%

Seven years after the revocation of Article 370 and the loss of statehood, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face economic decline, high unemployment, and heavy-handed security measures. Despite Supreme Court advice to restore statehood, no timeline has been set. The article highlights the need for accountable governance through an elected administration, as the current Lt Governor-led rule lacks democratic accountability.

Telangana HC Disqualifies MLA Under Tenth Schedule for Contesting Lok Sabha on Congress Ticket

Telangana High Court set aside the Assembly Speaker's order rejecting disqualification petitions and declared BRS-turned-Congress MLA Danam Nagender disqualified from April 23, 2024. The case reinforces the Tenth Schedule's anti-defection law: contesting a Lok Sabha election on another party ticket without resigning from the original party amounts to voluntarily giving up membership. This verdict is crucial for UPSC Polity as it clarifies the Speaker's role and limits of judicial review.

J&K Assembly Passes Resolution for Statehood Restoration; Omar Abdullah Questions Centre’s Delay Citing SC Order

The J&K Assembly passed a resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, moved by CM Omar Abdullah on September 25, 2026. Omar questioned the Centre's delay, referencing a Supreme Court direction to restore statehood 'at the earliest' after UT elections. The BJP walked out, calling the resolution controversial, and also moved a motion to remove the Speaker. This news highlights the ongoing tension between UT governance and the demand for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.

President Murmu Assents to Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed Keralam via Article 3

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, renaming the state as Keralam. The bill amends the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3, following a resolution by the Kerala Assembly in 2024. This is a key example of the constitutional process for state name changes.