Rajasthan creates 19 new districts, Political Move, says BJP

The Rajasthan will create 19 new districts and three more divisional headquarters keeping in mind the demands of the people. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the formation of 19 new districts and 3 Divisional headquarters in Rajasthan Vidhansabha on Friday. Now there will be 50 districts in the state. The new districts include Anupgarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-kuchaman City, Dudu, Gangapur City, Jaipur North, Jaipur South, Jodhpur East,  Jodhpur west, Kekdi, Kotputli, Khairthal, Neem ka thana, Phalodi, Salumbar, Sanchore and Shahpura. Banswada, Pali and Sikar shall be new Divisional Headquarters. This is the first time since 2008 that new districts are being carved out, taking the number of districts to 50. Gehlot made the announcement in the Rajasthan Assembly, which also passed the 2023-24 Budget with a voice vote. Rajasthan currently has 33 districts. The three new divisional headquarters are Pali, Sikar and Banswara. Rajasthan is the biggest state in the country in terms of geographical area. In some cases, the distance to the district headquarters is more than a 100 km. People are unable to reach district headquarters easily and the administration, too, is unable to reach each and every family,"  Gehlot said.

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Vasundhara Raje said Mr Gehlot decided to carve out the new districts "to fulfil political ends". "The way in which new districts have been announced has put the (state) budget and economic structure at stake. Many important issues have been overlooked in announcing the new districts," Ms Raje said, adding the move will cause more administrative challenges rather than making it easier