Rajasthan’s Governance Overhaul: 19 New Districts To Be Formed, Cabinet Clears Proposal

Jaipur, India, 5th August 2023: The Rajasthan Cabinet has granted approval on Friday for a proposal presented by a high-level committee to establish 19 fresh districts and introduce three additional divisions in the state. As a result, Rajasthan’s district count will increase from 33 to 50. Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Aparna Arora stated that the new districts would be officially notified soon.

As per the new plan, Jaipur district will undergo division into two parts: Jaipur and Jaipur Rural. Similarly, the Jodhpur district will also be split into two separate entities: Jodhpur and Jodhpur Rural. The newly formed districts include Apoongarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Dudu, Gangapur City, Kekri, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Neem ka Thana, Phalodi, Slumber, Sanchore, and Shahpura. This will bring the total number of divisions in the state to 10, with the addition of Banswara, Pali, and Sikar.

Back in March, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot made an official announcement during the state assembly regarding the establishment of these new districts and divisions. He had set up a high-level committee to study and provide recommendations for the creation of these administrative units. The committee has now submitted its report to the state government, and the chief minister mentioned that the committee’s tenure has been extended by six months to allow for public suggestions.

The chief minister also expressed that the establishment of these new districts would enhance governance and ease the burden on people who previously had to travel long distances to access government services in district headquarters. Chief Secretary Usha Sharma supported this viewpoint, emphasizing that smaller districts would lead to better governance, service delivery, and law and order as it would make it easier for administrators to reach various parts of the districts.

The formal launch of the new districts is scheduled for August 7, with ministers in charge taking charge of their respective districts. This move is seen as a significant step towards improving governance and delivering better services to the people of Rajasthan. However, the formation of new districts had sparked some demonstrations and debates over the boundaries, leading to a re-examination by the committee based on the representations received from the public and various organizations.

Now, with the approval of the committee’s recommendations in the recent Cabinet meeting, Rajasthan is set to witness an administrative reorganization aimed at enhancing efficiency and service accessibility.