Ladakh has now been officially recognized as a separate Union Territory in Aadhaar records, with the administration of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena replacing the former “Jammu and Kashmir” label with “Ladakh.” This change comes approximately seven years after Ladakh was first carved out as a distinct Union Territory.
The move is widely viewed as a symbolic step to appease the region, whose core demands, including the granting of special status under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, remain unresolved.
According to a spokesperson for the Ladakh Lok Bhavan, the correction followed the newly appointed LG’s intervention and addressed a long-standing public grievance. Officials explained that previously, Aadhaar cards issued to Ladakh residents listed “Jammu and Kashmir” under the “State” field, causing significant difficulties.
The spokesperson noted that the LG took serious note of the prolonged delay and directed the Union Territory administration to resolve the matter swiftly. In response, the administration coordinated with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). “The long-awaited correction has now been successfully implemented, ensuring that Ladakh’s distinct regional identity is accurately represented in Aadhaar,” the spokesperson said.
Officials added that the delay had inconvenienced residents who rely on Aadhaar as a valid identity proof. “The issue not only created hardship for citizens but also affected proper representation of the Union Territory in Aadhaar-linked records and progress reports,” an official stated.
A statement quoting LG Saxena said the change would greatly benefit Ladakh’s residents by removing procedural hurdles and enabling seamless access to services. “Ensuring that the identity of Ladakh is accurately reflected in official records is not only an administrative necessity, but also a matter of the identity and convenience for our people,” it read. “The successful resolution of this long-pending issue reflects the Union Territory administration’s commitment to responsive governance, ease of living, and ensuring that the unique identity of Ladakh is properly represented across all official platforms.”
The spokesperson further explained that the administration, in coordination with UIDAI, devised an innovative mechanism to update the “State” field. Instead of requiring each resident to visit Aadhaar centres individually, records were updated based on Ladakh-specific PIN codes. These codes were verified in coordination with the Department of Posts and then shared with UIDAI.
Residents can now download their updated e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI portal, and those wishing to obtain a PVC Aadhaar card may order it online by paying a nominal fee, the spokesperson added.
