The Rajasthan government has given nod to the formation of 19 new districts and three new divisions in the state.
The proposal put forward by a high-level committee was approved by the Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan cabinet. The western state will now have 50 districts – up from 33 – and 10 divisions.
After the Cabinet meeting, the chief minister told reporters thatJaipur district has been divided into Jaipur and Jaipur Rural, and Jodhpur district into Jodhpur and Jodhpur Rural.
The other new districts are Apoongarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Dudu, Gangapur City, Kekri, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Neem ka Thana, Phalodi, Slumber, Sanchore and Shahpura. The new divisions are Banswara, Pali and Sikar.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hinted that ministers in charge of the new districts will do a formal launch on August 7.A high-level committee was formed in March last year under retired IAS officer Ramlubhaya to give recommendations about the formation of new districts.
Based on them, CM Gehlot had told the state Assembly about the formation of 19 new districts and three divisions earlier this year.Gehlot said that the formation of new districts would improve governance and bring relief to people who have to cover long distances to go to district headquarters for various works.
The tenure of the high-level committee has been extended for a period of six months so that people can send their suggestions to it.
Chief Secretary Usha Sharma said,”It is difficult for a collector to visit every tehsil in a district due to workload and long distances. Smaller districts not only make governance easier but people also get relief as they do not have to travel long distances for work related to the government.”
