Bihar Government Details Strict Protocol for Establishing New Administrative Units
In a detailed response to starred questions raised by three MLAs during the state assembly session on Monday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary clarified that the Bihar government cannot unilaterally decide on the creation of new districts, sub-divisions, or blocks. He emphasized that any such move must follow a prescribed, multi-layered administrative procedure based on comprehensive recommendations from district authorities.
Multi-Step Approval Process Mandatory
Vijay Kumar Choudhary outlined the rigorous process required for establishing new administrative units. "First, a formal proposal must be submitted to the state headquarters by the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of the concerned district," he explained. "This proposal must then receive official endorsement from both the Divisional Commissioner and the Regional Deputy Inspector General."
The minister further detailed the subsequent stages: "Following this initial endorsement, the proposal undergoes thorough examination and assessment by a committee comprising secretaries from relevant departments. Finally, an empowered group of ministers reviews the case and makes its formal recommendation. Only after completing all these steps can the government proceed with a final decision."
Choudhary noted that no such comprehensive recommendation has been submitted by any District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, endorsed by the Commissioner and DIG, regarding the creation of new districts, sub-divisions, or blocks to date.
MLAs Present Specific Demands for Their Constituencies
The minister was responding to questions from multiple legislators seeking administrative changes in their regions:
- Jokihat MLA Mohammad Murshid Alam demanded that Jokihat be established as a new sub-division within Araria district. He proposed including Jokihat, Palasi, Sikti, and Kursankata blocks, citing logistical and administrative challenges with the current setup of only Araria Sadar and Forbesganj sub-divisions.
- Paru MLA Shankar Prasad from Muzaffarpur district requested the creation of a new Saraiya sub-division.
- Sakra MLA Aditya Kumar, also from Muzaffarpur district, sought sub-division status for Sakra.
Separate Inquiry into Police Infrastructure Issues
In a related development, Jale MLA Jiwesh Kumar from Darbhanga district raised concerns about police infrastructure. He demanded either renovation of old buildings at Jale and Singhwara police stations or construction of new structures, along with housing facilities for police personnel, including barracks for women officers.
Kumar referenced letters from the Chief Minister's Secretariat and Home Department indicating that proposals had been pending for extended periods despite land availability.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary responded: "I will personally look into this matter and ensure an inquiry is conducted." He added that the issue concerning approximately Rs 6 lakh spent on repairs for the old buildings would also be thoroughly examined.
The assembly session highlighted the structured approach the Bihar administration maintains toward territorial reorganization and infrastructure development, ensuring all proposals undergo systematic scrutiny before implementation.
