President Murmu promulgates ordinance to amend J&K Reservation Act, implements 85% in Ladakh, excluding 10% EWS

New Regulation Brings Major Change to Reservation Policy in Ladakh

On June 2, 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, approved a major amendment to the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, specifically for the Union Territory of Ladakh. This amendment introduces a new reservation structure aimed at increasing representation for marginalized communities.

Key Highlights of the Amendment:

• 85% Reservation Cap: The new rule allows up to 85% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions in Ladakh for:

  • Scheduled Castes (SC)

  • Scheduled Tribes (ST)

  • Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)

• EWS Reservation Separate: The 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is not included in the 85% cap. This means the total reservation can go up to 95% in some cases.

• Amended Sections:

  • Section 3(1): Now allows reservation up to 85% (excluding EWS), replacing the earlier 50% limit.

  • Section 5(4): Clarifies that EWS vacancies will be filled separately, as per future rules.

  • Section 6: Updates promotion policies to align with the 85% cap.

  • Section 9(1): Adjusts reservation in professional institutions under the same cap.

What This Means for Ladakh:

This change is a significant policy shift aiming to enhance opportunities for disadvantaged groups in the Union Territory. By separating EWS reservations from the main quota, the government ensures that economically weaker candidates from all backgrounds also have fair access to jobs and education.

Conclusion:

The Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025 is a strategic step toward inclusive development in the region. With this amendment, Ladakh becomes one of the few regions in India with such a high reservation limit, reflecting the unique social and demographic realities of the area.