By Ishita Malakar
The state of Assam previously had 35 administrative districts which have been delimited by varying factors like rivers, valleys, and hills, as well as forest treks. Recently, officials confirmed the formation of 10 new co-districts in the state, which leads to a total of 49 such small administrative blocks and units.
These new units are called Boki-Chhaygaon and Palashbari in Kamrup, Borsola and Rangapara in Sonitpur, Mariani and Teok in Jorhat, Makun and Digboi in Tinsukia, Dholai in Cachar, and Dudhoi in Goalpara.
Sources have officially confirmed that among 10 of these new co-districts, eight have already been inaugurated. The rest of them are to be officially inaugurated in the coming week.
The Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted on X mentioning that this initiative has been taken by the government in order to implement better functioning of the government including effective governance, especially at the grassroots levels. In the year 2024, in October, 39 such similar co-districts were established.
The establishment of the new co-districts is being intended towards decentralisation of the administration, enhancing the provision of public services, and reinforcing welfare initiatives at the community level. This is the second time that the state government of Assam has taken an action towards expanding the number of co-districts.
Previously, Sarma has discussed how this new approach towards establishing co-districts will help them represent their state better. The major characteristics of these new co-districts will encompass smaller administrative divisions beneath the district level and a prompt access to vital government services for the populace.
This co-district initiative will offer a variety of vital services, including the issuance of certificates like next of kin/caste/non-non-resident certificates. Besides issues like permission for fairs, local functions and events will also be addressed. As per Sarma, the matter of ration cards, rice distribution under the government scheme, and the sale and purchase of lands, among other matters, will also be dealt with.