In a significant move to enhance local governance and bring essential services closer to its people, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Home Minister Amit Shah revealed on Monday that the new districts will be named Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This expansion aims to ensure that governance and public services reach the doorsteps of Ladakh’s residents, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to fostering opportunities in the region.
To ensure a seamless transition, the MHA has instructed the Ladakh administration to form a dedicated committee. This committee will be tasked with evaluating various aspects of the new districts, including the establishment of headquarters, demarcation of boundaries, administrative structure, and staffing requirements. The committee is expected to submit its comprehensive report within three months.
Currently, Ladakh is administered through two districts, Leh and Kargil, both of which are governed by their respective autonomous district councils. The addition of the five new districts will bring the total to seven, significantly reshaping the administrative landscape of Ladakh.
Until 2019, Ladakh was part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, following the revocation of the state’s special status by the BJP-led Central government, Ladakh was reorganized into a separate Union Territory alongside Jammu and Kashmir.
Known for its stunning landscapes and high-altitude motorcycling routes, Ladakh is a globally renowned tourist destination. Its strategic significance has also been underscored by recent geopolitical tensions with China. The introduction of the new districts is expected to address the challenges of delivering services to Ladakh’s remote communities, thereby decentralizing administrative functions and improving the efficiency of public welfare schemes.
