In a significant move, the Rajasthan government announced the dissolution of nine districts and three divisions during a cabinet meeting held on December 28, 2024. The decision, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, follows recommendations from a high-level expert committee tasked with assessing the feasibility of the new districts created during the previous Congress-led administration. The state now retains only eight of the 20 newly announced districts, leaving Rajasthan with 41 districts and seven divisions.
The Districts Affected
The nine districts dissolved include:
- Dudu
- Kekri
- Shahpura
- Neemkathana
- Gangapur City
- Jaipur Rural
- Jodhpur Rural
- Anupgarh
- Sanchore
Meanwhile, the eight retained districts are:
- Balotara
- Beawar
- Deeg-Kumher
- Didwana-Kuchaman
- Kotputli-Behror
- Khairthal-Tijara
- Phalodi
- Salumber
This reorganization aims to streamline governance and reduce administrative burdens while addressing feasibility concerns raised by experts.
Ashok Gehlot Responds
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the dissolution, emphasizing the importance of small districts for effective governance. He stated, “The state government took one year to make this decision. This delay reflects their confusion. Rajasthan is the largest state in the country, and small districts could have greatly benefited the public. States like Gujarat, with fewer people, have 33 districts. Our decisions were made with governance in mind.”
Gehlot highlighted that the creation of three divisions and several districts was part of a broader strategy to improve public services, enhance administrative efficiency, and support local governance.
Key Cabinet Decisions
Apart from the dissolution of districts, the cabinet made several other important decisions:
- Restructuring Gram Panchayats: The government plans to reorganize gram panchayats across the state to improve local governance.
- Employment Opportunities: Aiming to address unemployment, the government announced plans to provide jobs to 1 lakh individuals by 2025.
- Food Security Scheme Expansion: New beneficiaries will be added to the Food Security Scheme to ensure broader access to essential resources.
- Common Eligibility Test (CET): The validity of the CET score has been extended from one year to three years, offering greater flexibility to candidates.
The High-Level Expert Committee Report
The decision to dissolve districts was based on a detailed report submitted by a high-level expert committee formed on July 1, 2024. The committee, chaired by Dr. Lalit K Pawar, evaluated the feasibility of the new districts and divisions. Key points from the report include:
- Extensive Consultation: Inputs were gathered from over 45 legislators, 10 MPs, five ministers, 50 delegations, 25 village heads, and five district heads.
- Fieldwork: The committee traveled over 5,000 kilometers to assess ground realities and collected suggestions from district collectors and commissioners.
- Challenges in Specific Areas: The committee could not visit Salumber due to law and order issues, and Neemkathana due to the unavailability of the district collector.
- Findings: Of the 19 proposed districts, reports were prepared for 17, highlighting issues of impracticality and resource strain in some cases.
The report concluded that the creation of certain districts would impose additional financial burdens and administrative challenges, leading to the recommendation for their dissolution.
What This Means for Rajasthan
The reorganization reflects the government’s focus on cost efficiency and pragmatic governance. However, it has also sparked debate over the balance between administrative efficiency and regional development. Supporters argue that the decision will streamline governance and reduce unnecessary expenses, while critics fear it might neglect the needs of smaller regions.
The dissolution of districts also raises questions about the broader strategy for Rajasthan’s development. With its vast geography and diverse population, the state needs a balanced approach that addresses both administrative feasibility and the aspirations of its people.
Looking Ahead
The Rajasthan government’s decision to dissolve nine districts and retain eight others marks a pivotal moment in the state’s administrative evolution. While aimed at enhancing governance efficiency, the move has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders and the public. As the government moves forward with these changes, it remains to be seen how they will impact regional development, public services, and local governance in India’s largest state.