SRINAGAR: The Union Government on Tuesday notified English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as the official languages of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The President of India has promulgated the Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025, declaring English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as the official languages of Ladakh.
According to the notification, English shall continue to be used for all official purposes for which it was being used before the commencement of this Regulation.
The notification reads that the Administrator of the Union Territory may take necessary steps, as prescribed by rules, to strengthen institutional mechanisms for the promotion and development of other languages in the region, including through the establishment of an Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
The Regulation adds that institutional mechanisms shall make special efforts for the promotion and development of other native languages of Ladakh, including Shina (Dardic), Brokskat (Dardic), Balti, and Ladakhi.
The President has also promulgated the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, to reserve one-third of seats in the Hill Councils of Leh and Kargil for women.
As per the amendments to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Act, 1997, not less than one-third of the total number of seats in each Council shall be reserved for women. These seats may be allotted by rotation to different territorial constituencies.
The rotation of reserved constituencies will be based on the serial number assigned to each constituency by notification in the official gazette. (KNO)
