Guwahati: Assam has introduced a new governance model called the "co-district" initiative, marking a departure from the existing civil sub-division system. Under this approach, co-district commissioners will be granted the same powers and responsibilities as district commissioners, providing more localised administrative control.

The initiative, described as the first of its kind in India, aims to bring governance closer to citizens by addressing the challenges faced in district-level administration. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that this step would decentralise the district administration, ensuring that governance is more accessible and responsive.

Launched in 39 Assembly constituencies in its first phase, the initiative saw the opening of several co-district commissioner offices on Friday, October 4, 2024, with more to follow on Saturday. The second phase will expand the concept to an additional 35 constituencies, further embedding this new administrative structure across the state.

One of the primary benefits of the co-districts, Sarma explained, is that citizens will no longer need to travel to district headquarters for essential services such as land-related matters, MLA funds, or the implementation of government schemes. These services will now be managed by the co-district offices, ensuring more streamlined operations.

The co-district commissioners will hold administrative authority over all departments in their areas and have magisterial powers to oversee events, manage public supplies, and address issues related to disaster management.

The initiative, according to Assam’s Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, is a significant step towards improving governance and enhancing service delivery for citizens, making the state's administration more efficient and locally accessible. 

BI Bureau