The decision of the state government to set up a commission for reorganisation of administrative units like districts, sub-divisions, blocks and tehsils can open doors for the carving out of new districts in Himachal, especially in the politically significant district of Kangra.
The move to set up a commission, a rather sensitive and contentious issue, was given nod by the Cabinet, which met here yesterday. Though no deadline has been set for the commission to submit its report as of now but the whole exercise is expected to be undertaken within this year, before the Assembly elections due in November 2027.
The exact task, timeframe and other objectives that the commission will be tasked with will be spelt out in the notification which will be issued by the government separately.
There has been talk of creation of new districts, especially in Kangra from time to time for the past over two decades but successive regimes, both of the Congress and BJP desisted from creating new districts.
Being a highly contentious issue which could evoke not just political but also strong regional sentiments, the state government will tread very cautiously on the issue, especially in creation of new districts. The argument being given right now for the creation of the commission is administrative purpose and to make the functioning of any unit be it a district, sub-division, block or tehsil more easy and convenient for the public.
Himachal has a total of 12 districts so far with Kangra being the biggest and politically most significant. Kangra has the highest number of 15 Assembly segments, almost thrice the number in most other districts. There could be a possibility of carving out one or more districts out of Kangra, be it Dehra, Palampur or Nurpur as has been the talk for the past three decades.
Kangra is followed by Mandi in having the second-highest number of Assembly segments, followed by eight in Shimla district. Rest most of the districts like Solan, Una, Hamirpur, Sirmour, Chamba have five Assembly constituencies each. Bilaspur and Kullu have four Assembly seats each while Kinnaur and Lahaul districts have only one constituency each, considering the sparse population and smaller electorate in these two tribal constituencies.
However, it is only time which will spell out the ramifications and political fallout of this move. “Being a very delicate subject which could have far reaching consequences, the state government too will tread very cautiously on the issue which could fan regional sentiments,” admitted a Congress MLA not wanting to be identified.
The creation of new districts is a subject which could prove to be a double-edged sword, whereby the Congress could gain or even suffer losses. It will also be interesting to watch the stand of the BJP on the issue.
Presently, there are 81 sub-divisions, 92 blocks, 193 tehsils and sub-tehsils in the state. The government can wind up some of these administrative units which have been opened on political considerations and have very little work. An attempt is also being made to save wasteful expenditure in view of financial crunch.
