Jammu, July 3 -- The administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has initiated a recruitment drive for 359 gazetted posts through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), said officials. This marks the first-ever recruitment of gazetted posts through the UPSC since the formation of the union territory on August 5, 2019, after a wait of nearly six years. "This milestone follows the establishment of a unique and dedicated legal framework specifically designed for Ladakh," said an official spokesperson. The framework ensures maximum local representation in public employment, while aligning with the aspirations of the people of Ladakh for responsive and inclusive governance. "Developed in consultation with public representatives through a high-powered committee constituted by the ministry of home affairs, the framework includes robust definitions of domicile, enhanced reservation provisions, and clearly outlined recruitment procedures," he said. "To enable this, the central government notified the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025 on June 2 this year. This was followed by the Ladakh Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules, 2025, notified on June 3 and the requisite formats for domicile certificates issued on June 27," he added. The Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, notified on June 2, and the corresponding Ladakh Reservation Rules, notified on June 27, increased the reservation cap from 50% to 85%. This includes 80% reservation for scheduled tribes (ST), 4% for areas adjoining the Line of Control, etc....