Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border…

Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

लद्दाख रणनीतिक रूप से चीन और पाकिस्तान के मध्य स्थित है। स्थानीय लोगों का दिल और दिमाग जीतने के लिये, केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा सीमा क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रमों (बी ए डी पी) और सेना द्वारा नागरिक कार्यवाही की विवेचना कीजिए। लद्दाख के लिये संविधान की छठी अनुसूची के प्रावधान की घोषणा की मांग की भी विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

The question as printed in the 2026 General Studies paper

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Model answer

Drafted with AI by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key. How we build rubrics and answers.

Ladakh’s position between China and Pakistan makes local trust a security asset.

Developmental and Civic Measures The MHA’s centrally funded Border Area Development Programme (BADP) (since 1986–87) funds roads, schools, health centres and drinking water in border habitations. The Vibrant Villages Programme (approved 2023) develops northern-border villages, including in Ladakh, to curb out-migration. Under Operation Sadbhavana, the Army runs Army Goodwill Schools, medical camps and skill centres.

Sixth Schedule Demand The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) gives autonomous district councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram legislative, judicial and land powers. The demand grew after Ladakh became a UT without a legislature in 2019, since the Leh and Kargil Hill Councils lack such powers. Supporters cite an over 90% tribal population (NCST recommended inclusion in 2019) and fears over land and jobs; the Centre is wary of extending a Northeast-specific framework to a sensitive border UT.

A High-Powered Committee (2023) holds talks with Leh and Kargil bodies; 2025 regulations gave 85% domicile job reservation, one-third council seats for women and official status to Bhoti and Purgi.

How this answer will be evaluated

Framework: GS3 Security & Governance

What earns full marks: Precise BADP/Army examples, clear constitutional analysis of 6th Schedule, strategic context integrated.

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

The answer Discuss BADP and the Army's civic action as 'hearts and minds' measures in strategically located Ladakh, and discuss the demand for extending the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. 10 marks · 150 words

discuss— intro → 3-4 dimensions → example → balanced close
Must cover
- Define BADP's role in border area development
- Cite specific Army civic actions (e.g., medical camps, schools)
- Explain the constitutional basis of the Sixth Schedule
- Assess the political/administrative implications of the Sixth Schedule demand
Loses marks
- Vague generalities about 'development' without specifics
- Ignoring the strategic context of the border location
- Treating the Sixth Schedule demand as purely political without constitutional analysis
Earns more
- Mention specific BADP/VVP components (roads, schools, health, water, livelihoods)
- Reference the Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs)
- Link development to strategic security needs (LAC, out-migration, local support)
- Balanced view on the Sixth Schedule demand, including the Centre's alternatives (HPC talks, 2025 domicile/language safeguards)
Extra mark
- Cite the Vibrant Villages Programme or a specific BADP figure
- Name Operation Sadbhavana or a specific Army Goodwill School/medical initiative

What "Discuss" is asking you to do

Lay the issue out from more than one side — how it arose, what is claimed for it, what is held against it, and where it now stands. UPSC attaches discuss to broad topics with several live dimensions, so coverage of the dimensions earns more than the strength of your opinion.

Structure that answers it

Set the issue up → the case as it is made → the case against → the dimension both sides leave out → where the balance now lies

Where marks are lost

Listing facts with no thread between them, or arguing one side throughout and calling it a discussion.

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