Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam to implement sub-district model from October 2, 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the creation of sub-districts is a crucial policy aimed at decentralizing administration. Starting from October 2, 2024, the sub-district model will be implemented across the state.

Sarma stated the significance of this initiative, stating, "The matter discussed in Tinsukia must reach a logical conclusion. After our last meeting, we rechristened Deputy Commissioners as District Commissioners and implemented officer transfer postings. Creating sub-districts is an essential component of making districts the fulcrum of administration. We will officially launch sub-districts in Assam on October 2."

He further mentioned, "There will be two sub-districts in Kamrup (M), and a notification has been issued to outline the functions of each sub-district. During the oath-taking of our Governor tomorrow, senior officials will discuss sub-districts with you. We will initiate the administrative functions of sub-districts by October 2."

The Chief Minister also directed the DCs  to ensure that each district functions as a state. He stated the need for districts to submit their GDP alongside the state GDP and focus on local administration.

Sarma instructed DCs of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia to prioritize sectors like OIL and tea gardens, while Karimganj and Hailakandi DCs were urged to focus on border areas. Additionally, Chirang, Baksa, and Tamulpur DCs were directed to develop Indo-Bhutan border areas as tourist spots.

"We are committed to ensuring no reduction in panchayat infrastructure," Sarma stated. "DCs must ensure new panchayats take over before December 31. We will discuss the matter of blocks within panchayats with the public, aiming for efficient local governance."

Earlier, in August 2023, the State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sarma, held its 100th meeting at the State Guest House in Kharghuli. The marathon meeting, lasting over five hours, saw several crucial administrative decisions, including the creation of 81 sub-districts and the re-creation of four districts.

Sarma highlighted the decisions, saying, "The State Government abolished four districts on December 31, 2022. I assured the people that we would re-create these districts after the delimitation exercise. We decided to create four districts: Hojai, Biswanath, Tamulpur, and Bajali. We also abolished 24 civil subdivisions and created 81 sub-districts. Each sub-district will be headed by an ADC with powers nearly equal to that of a district commissioner."