The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has made a long-awaited announcement about the creation of 19 new districts in Rajasthan on Friday. This decision, which includes reshaping the existing districts of Jaipur and Jodhpur, is a significant move that is being seen as a boost for the Congress party in the run-up to the assembly elections later this year.
With the addition of these new districts, Rajasthan now has 50 districts, which places it in third place in the country after Uttar Pradesh (71) and Madhya Pradesh (53). Although the population of Rajasthan is the seventh highest in the country, the creation of these new districts is seen as a significant step towards improving governance and administration in the state.
Several districts have been created by splitting existing districts to improve law and order, which was a significant concern for many areas. For instance, the creation of Jaipur North, Jaipur South, Dudu, and Kotputli-Behror districts, and Jodhpur East, Jodhpur West, and Phalodi districts from the existing Jaipur and Jodhpur districts, respectively, is expected to improve governance and streamline administration.
Although some political motives may have been involved in the decision to create new districts and divisions, the benefits of the move extend beyond just politics. The creation of Banswara as a division and Salumber as a district is a strategic move to woo tribal communities that voted for the BJP in the assembly election in neighbouring Gujarat last year.
Similarly, the creation of districts like Deeg (Bharatpur), Khairthal (Alwar), and Sikar as a division is intended to manage law and order and restore people’s faith in the government. Overall, the establishment of these new districts is a positive step towards improving governance and administration in Rajasthan.
