2026 · GS Paper 3 · Q10 · 10 marks
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)
In short
BADP and the Vibrant Villages Programme build roads, schools and health facilities in Ladakh's border villages, while the Army's Operation Sadbhavana runs schools and medical camps to win local trust. Ladakhi groups seek Sixth Schedule autonomy for land and jobs, which the Centre resists on strategic grounds.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 180 words
Border Area Development Programme
BADP funds roads, schools, health centres and water in villages within 10 km of the border, and the Vibrant Villages Programme (2023) targets Ladakh's frontier villages.
Army civic action
Operation Sadbhavana runs Army Goodwill Schools, medical camps and women's centres.
Basis of the demand
The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance seek tribal autonomy over land, jobs and ecology, citing the NCST's 2019 recommendation; Leh protests turned violent in September 2025.
Centre's reservations
The Centre cites strategic sensitivity and existing hill councils, and in June 2025 instead notified 85% job reservation with a domicile rule.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.
Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Border Areas12 questions
Asked in 9 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2025Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.
- 2024India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.
All 12 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.