President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated an ordinance to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, effectively enabling up to 85 percent reservation in the Union Territory of Ladakh, excluding the 10 percent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The Law Ministry notification dated June 2, 2025, confirmed that the Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation 2025 has come into force.

This new regulation amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, which governs reservations in government jobs and admissions to professional institutions for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs and others).

Key highlight of the ordinance

The new regulation clearly states that the total percentage of reservation shall not exceed 85 percent, but this limit excludes the 10 percent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). This ensures that reservations for marginalised communities in Ladakh remain robust, while also accommodating EWS under a separate provision.

This effectively brings the total reservation ceiling in Ladakh to 95 percent, though EWS is not included within the 85 percent cap.

Detailed provisions amended

The ordinance not only sets the 85 percent ceiling for reservations but also amends several important aspects of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. The changes affect the following:

• Carry forward of vacancies: Reserved category vacancies which remain unfilled may be carried forward

• Promotion in public employment: Reservation in promotions continues with the same upper cap

• Admissions to professional institutions: Quota structure applies to colleges and training institutions in Ladakh

These amendments ensure that reservation policies in Ladakh align with both local social requirements and constitutional provisions.

Background of the legislative amendment

According to PRS India, the original Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in July 2023. The intent was to revise the 2004 Act and extend its scope to the reorganised Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The 2004 Act provided reservation in public sector jobs and educational institutions to communities identified as SCs, STs, and socially and educationally backward classes. However, the formation of the Union Territories necessitated region-specific adjustments to these laws.

The 2025 regulation now operationalises these changes specifically for Ladakh, making the reservation framework more inclusive for local communities.

EWS reservations treated separately

One of the key clarifications in the new ordinance is that EWS reservation of 10 percent is separate from the main reservation pool, and not counted within the 85 percent cap. This distinction is crucial in legal and administrative terms, ensuring that EWS beneficiaries are not seen as reducing the share available to SCs, STs, and OBCs.

This follows the Supreme Court’s 2022 verdict upholding the constitutionality of 10 percent EWS reservation under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.

Implications for Ladakh

Ladakh, a strategically sensitive Union Territory with a distinct demographic composition, has long demanded a more regionally tailored reservation policy. Many groups, including those from Leh and Kargil, had asked for stronger social justice frameworks that account for the geographical, cultural, and educational backwardness in the region.

The new ordinance ensures wider access to government employment and education for these communities while complying with national laws on reservation limits.

Officials have clarified that these reforms will not impact the overall merit but are designed to uplift historically marginalised groups within the framework of social justice and affirmative action.

Political and legal context

The promulgation of this ordinance through the President of India bypasses the standard legislative process temporarily, though it is expected to be ratified by Parliament in the next session. This method allows the immediate enforcement of necessary legal changes in Ladakh.

Such ordinances are usually issued when Parliament is not in session, and urgent legal action is required to implement policies in public interest or national interest.

Looking forward

The Union Territory administration in Ladakh will now work on the implementation guidelines for the amended reservation system. This includes updating:

• Recruitment procedures in government departments

• Admission criteria for state-run educational institutions

• Rules for promotions and carry-forward of reserved posts

While the ordinance brings clarity, the effectiveness of the reform will depend on its on-ground enforcement and fair inclusion of all eligible communities.

Conclusion

With the promulgation of the Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation Amendment Regulation 2025, President Droupadi Murmu has formalised a major shift in the reservation landscape of Ladakh. The new legal structure ensures up to 85 percent reservation for marginalised communities, while safeguarding 10 percent EWS quota as a separate category.

This bold step aligns with Ladakh's unique social and geographical challenges, and marks a significant milestone in equitable governance and inclusive development in the region.

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