Ladakh to Form Hill Councils in Seven Districts

Ladakh administration decided on 13 July 2026 to constitute Autonomous Hill Development Councils for all seven districts of the Union Territory. The decision covers Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar, and Drass, after the creation of five new districts in April 2026.

Autonomous Hill Development Councils in Ladakh

Autonomous Hill Development Councils are district-level elected bodies in Ladakh that function under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act. Leh has had such a council since 1995, and Kargil has had one since 2003.

District Reorganisation in Ladakh

Ladakh had two districts, Leh and Kargil, before the notification of five new districts in April 2026. The new districts are Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar, and Drass, taking the total number of districts in Ladakh to seven.

Powers and Administrative Functions

Each council will have powers over land ownership and allotment, recruitment and promotions for district cadre posts, and levy of taxes and fees. The councils will also handle health, education, tourism, local infrastructure, and social welfare schemes, with each district maintaining its own revenue base and development plans.

Proposed UT-Level Framework

A Union Territory-level body is proposed to function above the seven Hill Councils under a customised Article 371 framework. The body will exercise legislative, executive, financial, and administrative powers.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ladakh became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019 after the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Leh and Kargil are the two original districts of Ladakh.
• Article 371 of the Constitution contains special provisions for certain States and regions in India.
• District councils in Ladakh are associated with local self-government in hill areas.

Exam-Relevant Static Points

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act provides the legal basis for district councils in the region. The seven-district structure places all major administrative units of Ladakh under autonomous hill councils.