People living in border areas are strategically located, and their presence helps to protect the nation’s borders. They can provide valuable information to security forces regarding any suspicious activity or movements of people along the border. This happened in the past, during the Kargil war of 1999. Actually, they are the nation’s first line of defence. The Government of India has taken several measures to help the people of the UT of Ladakh. Proper all-weather road connectivity, a communication network covering the entire Ladakh, helipads and tunnels to reduce distances are the main focus areas.
It is important to understand that Ladakh is a remote region, and its economy is predominantly based on agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. Due to the harsh climatic conditions and rugged terrain, the region has limited opportunities for industrial development. This results in fewer job opportunities for the people living in the region. The economy of Ladakh is highly seasonal, and employment opportunities are limited to specific times of the year. The tourism sector provides employment opportunities during the summer months when the weather is pleasant, but this is seasonal and not year-round. The net result is that many young people from Ladakh migrate to other cities in search of employment opportunities. This brain drain leaves the region with a shortage of skilled and talented individuals.
Keeping in view of all these facts, youth must get certain reservations in Government jobs. The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Retired) BD Mishra, has rightly announced the constitution of a committee to issue certificates for reservation in Government jobs to people living along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in Kargil and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Leh. The committee will look into the demand for Actual Line of Control (ALC) certificates from Ladakh’s border areas and recommend the areas to be covered under reservation in the ALC category. The committee members will be nominated shortly, and the Government will come out with the policy as soon as the committee submits its recommendations. The move is a long-pending demand of the people and will help those living in tough circumstances along the LoC with Pakistan in Kargil and the LAC with China in eastern Ladakh.
Reservations in jobs can help address inequalities that exist between people from border areas and those from other regions. People from border areas face unique challenges due to the remoteness of their location, lack of access to educational and training opportunities, and other factors. Reservations in jobs can help to bridge this gap and provide a level playing field for all. By promoting employment opportunities in border areas, reservations in jobs can help boost the local economy. This can lead to increased economic development, which can benefit both the region and the country as a whole. Reservations in jobs for border areas can help to strengthen national security by ensuring that people from these regions are involved in activities related to border protection and surveillance. This can help to prevent any unwanted activity along the border and protect the nation’s territorial integrity. People living in border areas often have unique cultural heritage, which can be preserved by providing them with employment opportunities. This can help to promote and preserve the culture of the region, which is an important part of the country’s cultural diversity.
With this reservation, many objectives will be achieved: youth getting employment, social and economic stability, less youth migration, and secure borders. The Government is doing its best for the people; due to various factors, some delays can occur, but the intention of the administration is for the betterment of the people.
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