On June 2, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu promulgated the Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, introducing significant reforms to the region's reservation and domicile policies.

This regulation amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, as applicable to Ladakh, to implement an 85% reservation in government jobs for local residents, excluding the 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

Key Highlights

• 85% Reservation for Locals: Government jobs in Ladakh will now reserve 85% of vacancies for local residents.
• Domicile Criteria Defined: Residents must have lived in Ladakh for 15 years or studied for 7 years and appeared in class 10th or 12th from a local institution.
• Quota Distribution: Within the 85% reservation, 80% is for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 4% for residents near the LoC, and 1% for Scheduled Castes (SC).
• Women’s Representation: One-third of seats in Ladakh’s Autonomous Hill Development Councils will be reserved for women.
• Aim of the Regulation: The move seeks to protect Ladakh’s cultural identity, ensure local employment, and promote inclusive regional development.