Source: Indian Express
Context:
The Ladakh Administration has announced that the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act will be extended to all seven districts of the Union Territory through appropriate legal provisions, following the creation of 17 new tehsils.
What is the LAHDC Act?
- The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Act, 1997 provides for the establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) to promote decentralized governance in Ladakh.
- Originally applicable to the Leh and Kargil districts.
- Enacted to empower local communities through greater administrative and developmental autonomy.
Objective
- Promote decentralized governance.
- Ensure people’s participation in local planning and development.
- Address the unique geographical, cultural and developmental needs of Ladakh.
Powers and Functions
The Council exercises powers over:
- Local development planning.
- Management of government (Khalsa Sarkar) land transferred to it.
- Management of undemarcated forests.
- Local infrastructure and public services.
- Levy and collection of specified local taxes and fees.
