Jaipur, India, August 5th, 2023: In a landmark decision, the Rajasthan Cabinet has granted its approval to a proposal put forth by a high-level committee to establish 19 new districts and introduce three additional divisions within the state. This strategic move will elevate Rajasthan’s district count from 33 to 50, marking a significant step towards improving governance and accessibility to public services. Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Aparna Arora has confirmed that the formal notification for the new districts will be issued in the near future.
Under the comprehensive plan, the existing Jaipur district will be divided into two separate entities: Jaipur and Jaipur Rural. A similar division will occur in the Jodhpur district, giving rise to Jodhpur and Jodhpur Rural. The list of the newly created districts encompasses Apoongarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Dudu, Gangapur City, Kekri, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Neem ka Thana, Phalodi, Slumber, Sanchore, and Shahpura. This move will bring the total number of divisions within the state to 10, as the new additions join Banswara, Pali, and Sikar.
The initial announcement about the formation of these new administrative units was made by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in March. To facilitate the process, a high-level committee was appointed to study and provide recommendations regarding the creation of the new districts and divisions. The committee has since submitted its comprehensive report to the state government. To ensure inclusivity, Chief Minister Gehlot extended the committee’s tenure by six months, allowing time for public suggestions and opinions.
The Chief Minister underscored that the establishment of these new districts is poised to bring about enhanced governance and alleviate the challenges faced by citizens who previously had to travel long distances to access government services at district headquarters. Chief Secretary Usha Sharma echoed this sentiment, highlighting that smaller districts would facilitate more effective governance, streamlined service delivery, and better maintenance of law and order, as administrators would have increased access to various parts of the districts.
The official inauguration of the new districts is scheduled for August 7th, during which ministers designated to oversee these districts will assume their responsibilities. This milestone development is anticipated to significantly enhance governance and the quality of services provided to the people of Rajasthan. However, it’s worth noting that the formation of these new districts prompted public demonstrations and debates concerning their boundaries. In response, the committee revisited its decisions, taking into account feedback from the public and various organizations.
With the recent Cabinet endorsement of the committee’s recommendations, Rajasthan is poised to undergo a transformative administrative overhaul, aimed at fostering efficiency and improving access to services. This move reflects the state’s commitment to progress and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
