Rajasthan Government Dissolves Nine Districts Established Under Ashok Gehlot Administration

The Rajasthan BJP government has decided to dissolve nine districts established by the previous Congress administration, citing impracticality and lack of public interest. Three new divisions have also been dissolved following a state cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. As a result, Rajasthan will now consist of seven divisions and 41 districts, according to Parliamentary Affairs and Law Minister Jogaram Patel.

In response to this decision, the state Congress leadership expressed strong disapproval and indicated they might pursue legal action if necessary. The previous government under Ashok Gehlot had created 17 new districts and three new divisions. The current administration has also cancelled notifications for three additional districts announced by the Gehlot government.

Political Reactions and Criticisms

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the BJP's decision, describing it as politically motivated and an act of indiscretion. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully also condemned the move. Dotasra stated that the Congress party, along with the people of Rajasthan, would protest against this decision.

Minister Jogaram Patel explained that these decisions were based on reports from a cabinet sub-committee and an expert committee. "The committee found that these newly formed districts are not practical, these districts are not in the public interest. These districts are putting an unnecessary burden on the Rajasthan government. These districts have no utility at all," he said.

Administrative Considerations

Patel further accused the Congress government of creating new districts and divisions solely for political gains without considering financial resources, administrative needs, or cultural harmony. He pointed out that necessary posts were not created in offices for the new districts, nor were office buildings constructed.

The cabinet has decided to retain certain districts like Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Phalodi, and Salumbhar from those created by Congress. However, nine newly formed districts including Anupgarh and Dudu will not be retained.

Changes in Administrative Structure

Banswara, Pali, and Sikar divisions were dissolved by the state cabinet. Additionally, three new districts—Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchaman City—announced before elections have been cancelled. Patel mentioned that these decisions were made after considering all aspects of administration.

Meanwhile, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sumit Godara announced amendments to Schedule-1 of Rule 14 of Rajasthan Civil Services Revised Pay Rules 2017. This change extends the validity of Common Eligibility Test scores to three years in Rajasthan.

Patel noted that other significant decisions regarding state development were also made during the meeting at the Chief Minister's Office. However, there was no discussion on cancelling the Police Sub Inspector recruitment exam in this cabinet meeting.

Tika Ram Jully stated that Congress would initiate a mass movement to reverse this decision. "We will raise voices against the decision in the assembly. From the road to the assembly, we will not let BJP sit in peace. This decision is anti-people. They have killed the rights of the people," he declared.