Rajasthan's Cabinet, under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, has restructured the state's administrative framework, rolling back the creation of nine districts and three divisions introduced by the previous Congress-led government under Ashok Gehlot.
The state will now have a total of seven divisions and 41 districts, according to an official release.
During a Cabinet meeting on Saturday, key decisions were made to streamline governance and enhance public welfare. Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel explained that the previous government's decision to create 17 new districts and three divisions was politically motivated and lacked adequate planning.
Three districts announced just before the 2023 Assembly elections - Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchaman City - were never formally notified and have also been cancelled. Among the rescinded districts are Anupgarh, Dudu, Gangapur City, Jaipur Rural, Jodhpur Rural, Kekri, Neem Ka Thana, Sanchore, and Shahpura, along with divisions in Banswara, Pali, and Sikar.
To review the earlier decision, a Cabinet subcommittee and a high-level expert panel led by retired IAS officer Dr. Lalit K. Panwar were appointed. Their findings revealed that the previous districts lacked financial resources, administrative infrastructure, and adequate planning for law and order or cultural harmony.
However, eight newly formed districts - Phalodi, Balotara, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, and Salumber - will be retained. The government has committed to providing financial resources and administrative facilities for their development.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the rollback, accusing the current government of indecision and confusion. He argued that the creation of smaller districts was aimed at ensuring good governance and better public services. Comparing Rajasthan to Gujarat, he noted that despite having a smaller population, Gujarat has 33 districts.
The Cabinet has approved several employee welfare measures aimed at improving job security and career progression. The validity of the Common Eligibility Test (CET) score has been extended from one year to three years under the Rajasthan Subordinate and Clerk Service Rules, 2022, providing candidates with greater flexibility and opportunities.
Livestock assistants will now benefit from a third promotion opportunity, accompanied by changes in their designations to enhance their roles and efficiency. Additionally, employees penalized under the Rajasthan Civil Services (CCS) Rules, 1958, will no longer face delays in financial promotions under the Minimum Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme, offering much-needed relief and fairness in career advancement.
The Cabinet also approved renaming Government College in Churu, Siddhmukh, to "Shreemati Shakuntala Devi Government College, Siddhmukh" to honour a philanthropist and encourage donations for educational development.