Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday notified the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2026, with effect from October 19, paving the way for Hill Councils in all eight districts of the Union Territory, including the newly created Sankoo district, ANI reported.

In a post on X, Saxena said the regulation was implemented in six days: the Union Cabinet approved the amendments on October 14 and President Droupadi Murmu promulgated it on October 16. The amended regulation rationalises constituencies — from 26 seats in each council earlier to a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 seats now — and provides for nomination of four members from women and unrepresented communities, he said.

Saxena said the move will strengthen grassroots democracy, enhance local representation and promote inclusivity, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. A separate report on the Centre's amendment noted the Ladakh Lok Sabha MP will be an ex-officio member, each council will have a five-year term, and the State Election Commission for Ladakh will oversee council elections.

Sources: ANI, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh's post on X, Jammu News Portal.