Source: IE
Context: Assam has become the first state in India to implement a new administrative structure known as Co-Districts, aimed at improving governance and accessibility of public services. The inaugural phase will take place on October 4 and 5, 2024, when 39 Co-Districts will be officially launched.
About Co-Districts:
- What It Is: Co-districts are smaller administrative units under Assam’s district administration, established to decentralize governance.
- Objective: Aimed at making administrative services more accessible to citizens by bringing governance closer to their homes.
- Functions: Co-districts handle administrative tasks such as issuing ration cards, caste certificates, managing land revenue matters, excise, development, welfare work, and disaster management. They also have magisterial powers.
- Difference from Districts:
- Leadership: Co-districts are led by an Assistant District Commissioner, while districts are led by a Deputy Commissioner.
- Size: Co-districts cover smaller geographical areas compared to districts.
- Autonomy: While districts have full administrative control over various departments, co-districts serve as a localized extension, reducing the administrative burden on district-level offices.
- Launch: The first phase started in 2024 with the creation of 21 co-districts, and 18 more are expected to follow, with the goal of covering all 126 assembly constituencies.
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