India Announces New Domicile, Job Reservation & Language Policies for Ladakh, IIOJK

The Indian government has announced new policies covering domicile rights, job reservations, and official languages in the territory of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The Indian government has officially introduced a new set of regulations for Ladakh, focusing on domicile eligibility, government job reservations, and language recognition. These changes come into effect as per a notification published in the Gazette of India on June 3, 2025.

According to the newly framed domicile policy, any person who has lived in Ladakh since 2019 and continues to do so for a total of 15 years will be eligible for domicile status starting in 2034. This allows non-native residents to be considered domiciled after this period.

Students who have studied in Ladakh for at least seven years and have appeared in Class 10 or 12 examinations locally will also qualify for domicile status. In addition, children of government officials who have served continuously in the region for a decade will be eligible as well.

This expanded eligibility marks a substantial shift in the Ladakh domicile rules, sparking debate over the region’s demographic composition and local representation.

On the employment front, the government has introduced a major change by reserving 85% of government jobs for Scheduled Tribes (STs). This policy is particularly impactful, considering over 97% of Ladakh’s population is made up of STs.

Additionally, one-third of the seats in Ladakh’s two autonomous hill development councils have been reserved for women, aiming to increase female participation in local governance and decision-making.

In terms of language policy, five languages—English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi—have been officially recognized in Ladakh. English will remain the primary medium for all existing official communications.

The Union Territory Administrator has also been granted authority to promote other local languages like Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi, using institutional support and dedicated programs.

Sajjad Kargili, a prominent leader from Kargil and participant in the high-level talks, stated that while these announcements are better, discussions will continue regarding other core demands such as establishing a Public Service Commission, restoring statehood, and including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.