New Delhi :In a significant decision for Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given approval for creation of Ladakh Administrative Service (LAS) and Ladakh Police Service (LPS). This was announced by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Thursday.
Addressing media persons, Kundra said the MHA has in-principle agreed to establish both the services and the modalities for the same will be worked out soon.
He informed that LG Vinai Kumar Saxena had taken up the matter of recruitment for the feeder cadres of erstwhile state services with the Centre, following which the MHA has now issued an enabling notification.
"Draft Recruitment Rules for 15 departments will be sent to the Lt. Governor and then forwarded to UPSC. After that we will start the recruitment process," Kundra said.
*79 Group-B Posts to be Filled*
The recruitment will cover around 79 Group-B posts including Assistant Director, Under Secretary, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies, Assistant Director Employment, Excise & Taxation Officer, Assistant Director Consumer Affairs, AD Handicrafts & Handloom, Functional Manager Industries, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Block Development Officer (BDO), Tehsildar, District Social Welfare Officer and Assistant Director Tourism among others.
This will open new job avenues for the youth of Ladakh and the entire recruitment will be done under the reservation rules applicable in the UT.
*Key Announcements on Nautor Land & Other Issues*
On Nautor (barren) land, Kundra said a notification has been issued to convert Nautor land from leasehold tenancy rights into full ownership rights. He clarified that the recently issued draft rules are only for public consultation and final rules are yet to be notified.
He said thousands of families were unable to monetize their Nautor holdings earlier. The administration had earlier removed the mandatory vigilance clearance for Nautor land holders.
Now under the new proposal:
- Land of religious, cultural and monastic institutions will be given free of cost.
- Holdings up to one acre may be exempted from any fee.
- A graded fee structure will be introduced for larger holdings (1-10 acres, 10-20 acres etc) to avoid burden on small farmers.
He clarified that while the UT Administration will frame the rules, the actual regularization will be done by the elected LAHDC, as land is under the domain of the Council.
The LG has also approved land-use change provisions. Once ownership is granted, people can apply for change of land use for shops, resorts etc, which will help them get bank loans and monetize their land.
*On September 24, 2025 Incident*
Referring to the violent incident of Sept 24, 2025, Kundra said a list of cases proposed for withdrawal will be sent to LG and a draft compensation proposal will also be submitted.
*Recruitment and Promotions Update*
Chief Secretary also gave details of ongoing recruitment:
- In 2026, 1,340 candidates recommended for appointment – 24 in Group-B Gazetted, 418 in Group-B Non-Gazetted and 874 in Group-C.
- 633 posts already advertised.
- Another 874 posts to be advertised soon, taking total to 1,504 posts including 331 Constables and 40 Sub-Inspectors.
- 716 employees who were awaiting promotion for years have been promoted.
- 125 doctors to be recruited. UPSC will set up two interview boards in Ladakh itself from Sept 21 to 25, so candidates don't have to travel outside.