Chennai Urged to Follow Rajasthan’s Lead and Create New Districts
Chennai is being urged to follow in the footsteps of Rajasthan, as 17 new districts were created in the state in a single day. The founder of Bamaka, Ramadoss, has questioned when Tamil Nadu will take a similar step in reorganizing its districts.
With the creation of these new districts, the total number of districts in Rajasthan has now reached 50, making it the third state with the highest number of districts, following Uttar Pradesh (75) and Madhya Pradesh (52). Ramadoss commended the government for this move, emphasizing the administrative convenience it provides.
Ramadoss argues that the creation of smaller districts promotes development, using the principle of “small is beautiful.” His party, the Proletarian People’s Party, has been advocating for the division of larger districts in Tamil Nadu to aid its development. They propose the establishment of 60 districts, with an average of one district per 12 lakh people (1.2 million). However, the Tamil Nadu government has delayed implementing this plan, allowing Rajasthan to surpass them.
Comparing the average population of the newly created districts in Rajasthan to those in Tamil Nadu, Ramadoss points out that Rajasthan now has an average population of 13 lakhs (1.3 million), while Tamil Nadu’s average population stands at 19 lakhs (1.9 million). This illustrates the need for smaller districts in Tamil Nadu to ensure efficient administration.
The disparity is further highlighted by the number of Lok Sabha constituencies. Rajasthan, with 25 Lok Sabha constituencies, now has two districts per constituency. In contrast, Tamil Nadu has three Lok Sabha constituencies spread across one district. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of administration with such vast district boundaries.
Ramadoss cites examples of other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Haryana, that have seen an increase in growth rate after dividing their districts. To foster rapid growth in Tamil Nadu, he urges the state government to establish the Tamil Nadu District Reorganization Commission promptly. This commission would study the matter and make recommendations to the government.
As Chennai and Tamil Nadu continue to grapple with development challenges, the creation of new districts may offer a way forward. Following the successful model set by Rajasthan, it is hoped that Tamil Nadu will take the necessary steps to increase administrative efficiency and promote progress in the state.