Oct 10, 2024
CREATION OF NEW DISTRICTS IN RAJASTHAN: AIMS and CHALLENGES
CREATION OF NEW DISTRICTS IN RAJASTHAN: AIMS and CHALLENGES
1. What Prompted the Creation of New Districts in Rajasthan?
In 2023, the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan announced the creation of 17 new districts to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and meet popular demand. The decision was aimed at bringing administration closer to the people, especially in remote areas. However, political motivations and pressure from local leaders played a significant role in this sudden surge of district creation.
2. What Challenges Are Faced by These Newly Formed Districts?
The new districts face severe logistical and infrastructural challenges, such as operating from temporary setups like grain mandis, hostels, and old buildings. Many key government services are still managed by the parent districts, causing inconvenience to the public. Staff shortages, untrained personnel, and inadequate office spaces further hamper the functioning of district authorities.
3. How Has the Creation of New Districts Affected Public Services?
Despite the intention of improving public services, most new districts are struggling. In Khairthal-Tijara, basic services like land records and driver’s licenses are still managed by Alwar, the parent district. Only 17 out of 52 government departments are operational, and even those suffer from severe resource shortages. Critical services such as police, healthcare, and revenue management remain insufficient.
4. What Are the Political Repercussions of the New Districts?
The creation of these districts has sparked political controversy, primarily between the BJP and Congress. While the BJP criticizes the Congress for creating districts without adequate planning, Congress defends the move as necessary for improving governance. The issue has become a battleground, with accusations of vote bank politics influencing the sudden creation of multiple districts.
5. What Was the Role of the Panwar Committee?
The Panwar Committee, led by retired IAS officer Lalit K Panwar, was tasked with reviewing the viability of the newly created districts based on parameters such as jurisdiction, administrative feasibility, and infrastructure. The committee’s report suggested reverting some districts to their original status due to viability concerns. However, no action has been taken on the report, adding to the administrative uncertainty.
6. What Are the Economic Implications of District Creation?
The creation of the 17 districts and three new divisions cost approximately Rs 20,000 crore. Establishing basic infrastructure, administrative offices, and staffing remains a financial burden. The cost-effectiveness of creating these districts all at once has been questioned, as many are under-resourced and unable to function independently.
7. How Are Citizens Reacting to the New Districts?
Public sentiment is mixed, with many residents feeling that the districts were created hastily without proper planning. For example, residents of Tijara still travel to Alwar for essential services, raising questions about the necessity of the new district. The public’s frustration is compounded by the lack of infrastructure and basic amenities in these areas.
8. What Future Steps Are Proposed for the New Districts?
The future of these districts remains uncertain, with the Panwar Committee suggesting that some may need to be reverted. The state government is awaiting approval from the Census Commissioner to adjust boundaries, which could affect the continuation of some districts. Until then, the focus remains on addressing the basic needs of the current setup.
SYNOPSIS
Rajasthan’s creation of 17 new districts intended to decentralize governance has turned into a logistical challenge. A lack of infrastructure, political disagreements, and financial burdens have overshadowed the intended benefits. The ongoing debate reflects a broader struggle between political motives and practical governance needs, leaving citizens caught in the middle.