The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to establish a UT-level administrative body and hill councils for each of its seven districts, as announced by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra.This move aims to strengthen grassroots governance and balanced development across the region.Previously, Ladakh had two districts, but five new ones—Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass—were formed in April 2026.

The new framework under Article 371 will grant autonomous hill development councils in each district, with legislative, executive, financial, and administrative powers.

The proposal draws from existing provisions of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, requiring only amendments and constituency delimitation.This development follows the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which led to Ladakh's bifurcation as a UT.Activist Sonam Wangchuk had previously advocated for constitutional safeguards under Article 371, and the new framework addresses his demands.

The initiative reflects a shift towards democratic decentralisation and tailored governance for Ladakh's unique cultural and administrative needs.