The Punjab government has undertaken a significant administrative overhaul, approving the transfer of 19 villages across six districts of the state. This major reshuffle, sanctioned by the state cabinet, aims to streamline governance and bring administrative units closer to the people they serve.
The Details of the Administrative Reshuffle
The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, involves moving villages from their current districts to neighboring ones for better administrative convenience. The cabinet gave its nod to a proposal from the Revenue Department to effect these changes. The move is rooted in the longstanding demand from residents of these villages, who have cited geographical proximity and ease of access as primary reasons for seeking a change in their district affiliation.
The cabinet has empowered the Revenue Department to issue the necessary notification to formalize this large-scale transfer. This step underscores the state government's focus on pragmatic governance and responsive administration.
Which Villages Are Moving? A District-Wise Breakdown
The reorganization impacts several key districts in Punjab. The changes are designed to align administrative boundaries with ground realities and public demand.
From Hoshiarpur to Nawanshahr (Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar): A total of 14 villages will be shifted from Hoshiarpur district to the neighboring Nawanshahr district. This is the single largest block of transfers in this reorganization.
From Jalandhar to Kapurthala: Two villages will move from Jalandhar district to Kapurthala district.
Internal Shift within Sangrur: One village will be transferred from the Dirba sub-division to the Sunam sub-division, both within Sangrur district.
From Patiala to Fatehgarh Sahib: One village will be relocated from Patiala district to Fatehgarh Sahib district.
From Rupnagar to SAS Nagar (Mohali): One village will be moved from Rupnagar district to SAS Nagar, also known as Mohali.
Implications and the Road Ahead
This administrative re-alignment is expected to have several immediate and long-term effects. For residents, it means that their day-to-day interactions with district authorities—be it for revenue matters, law and order, or development works—will now be with a district headquarters that is more accessible. The government believes this will enhance the efficiency of service delivery and make administration more responsive.
The decision reflects the AAP government's approach to decentralizing governance and addressing specific public grievances. By realigning districts based on geographical logic and citizen requests, the state aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for its people. The Revenue Department's forthcoming notification will officially mark the completion of this process, setting a new administrative map for these regions of Punjab.
Such reorganizations, while administrative in nature, are closely watched as they can influence local development dynamics and the allocation of resources. This move is likely to be welcomed by the residents of the 19 villages who have been advocating for this change.
