Daily Current Affairs : 28-August-2024

Ladakh, a region in northern India, has long faced challenges in governance due to its vast, remote geography and sparse population. Recently, the Union Home Minister announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This decision aims to address governance challenges and improve public welfare across the region. Currently, Ladakh has only two districts: Leh and Kargil.

Significance of Creating New Districts

The creation of new districts in Ladakh is an important step towards improving governance and administration. There are several key reasons why this move is significant:

  • Improved Governance: Ladakh is geographically challenging, with large distances between towns and remote areas. The new districts will make it easier for the government to reach these areas, improving administrative efficiency.
  • Enhanced Public Welfare: By dividing Ladakh into more districts, local authorities can better address the specific needs of each area, whether in terms of infrastructure, healthcare, or education. This will promote overall development.
  • Promoting Local Development: Smaller districts can lead to better resource allocation and allow for more focused planning, ultimately boosting local economies and improving the quality of life for residents.

Procedure for Creating New Districts in India

In India, the creation of new districts is a well-defined process that involves both state and central government roles.

  • State Power: The state government has the authority to create, alter, or abolish districts. This is usually done through executive orders or laws passed by the State Assembly.
  • Centre’s Role: The central government is involved when there is a need to rename districts or railway stations. Once a state proposes the creation of new districts, it must seek clearance from various departments before the decision is finalized.

Local Demands and Concerns

The creation of new districts comes in response to local demands for greater autonomy, cultural protection, and economic opportunities. Some groups in Ladakh have been advocating for Statehood or Sixth Schedule protections, which would provide more control over the region’s governance. While the new districts may address some of these concerns, there are still ongoing calls for more measures to protect Ladakh’s unique culture, land, and jobs.

Important Points:

  • Creation of Five New Districts: Ladakh will have five new districts—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—aimed at improving governance.
  • Current Administrative Setup: Ladakh currently has only two districts—Leh and Kargil.
  • Improved Governance and Outreach: The new districts will address administrative challenges in Ladakh’s remote and sparsely populated areas.
  • Boosting Public Welfare: More districts will help in better delivery of public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
  • Local Development: Dividing Ladakh into smaller districts allows for focused development and better resource allocation.
  • State Government’s Role: State governments have the authority to create or alter districts through executive orders or legislative action.
  • Centre’s Role: The central government is involved in renaming districts or stations, and the state must seek clearance for new districts.
  • Local Demands: The creation of new districts follows demands for greater autonomy, cultural protection, and economic opportunities in Ladakh.
  • Ongoing Concerns: Despite the new districts, local groups continue to advocate for full Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh.

Why In News

The Union Home Minister recently announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—to enhance governance and ensure more effective administration. Currently, Ladakh is divided into just two districts: Leh and Kargil, making the addition of these new districts a significant step toward better regional management and development.

MCQs about Improving Governance in Ladakh: Creation of Five New Districts

  1. What is the primary purpose of creating five new districts in Ladakh?
    A. To increase tourism
    B. To improve governance and administrative efficiency
    C. To rename existing districts
    D. To protect Ladakh’s culture and heritage
    Correct Answer: B. To improve governance and administrative efficiency
    Explanation: The primary goal of creating the new districts is to enhance governance and administrative processes, especially in remote areas, to improve public welfare.
  2. How many districts does Ladakh currently have before the creation of the new ones?
    A. Four
    B. Two
    C. Five
    D. Three
    Correct Answer: B. Two
    Explanation: Ladakh currently has only two districts: Leh and Kargil, and the addition of five new districts will expand administrative boundaries.
  3. What role does the central government play in the creation of new districts in India?
    A. The central government creates new districts
    B. The central government can rename districts or railway stations
    C. The central government is responsible for funding new districts
    D. The central government handles the daily administration of new districts
    Correct Answer: B. The central government can rename districts or railway stations
    Explanation: While state governments have the authority to create or modify districts, the central government’s role is mainly to approve renaming of districts or railway stations.
  4. Which of the following local demands in Ladakh does the creation of new districts partially address?
    A. Demand for full Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections
    B. Increased taxes for local businesses
    C. Demands for better transportation
    D. Demand to merge Leh and Kargil districts
    Correct Answer: A. Demand for full Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections
    Explanation: The creation of new districts responds to local demands for greater autonomy, including calls for Statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule, which would safeguard Ladakh’s culture and resources.

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