Assam Cabinet Approves Proposal to Strengthen Grassroots Governance

In a significant move aimed at enhancing governance efficiency at the grassroots level, the Assam Cabinet has given its nod to the Proposal for Reorganization of Development Blocks and Delimitation of Gaon Panchayats, Anchalik Panchayats, and Zilla Parishads across the state.

The decision comes in the wake of the recent delimitation of Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs), which necessitated the reevaluation of Development Block jurisdictions to better align with evolving developmental needs.

Key Objectives and Measures:

• Development Block Realignment: Under the approved plan, each Development Block will now fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of a single Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC). This adjustment aims to streamline administrative oversight and resource allocation, ensuring more efficient governance.

• Maximum Gram Panchayats per Block: Post-delimitation, each Development Block will accommodate a maximum of 17 Gram Panchayats, thereby optimizing local governance structures and enhancing service delivery to rural areas.

• Special Considerations for Hill Districts: Development Blocks in Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao will remain unchanged, as they already conform to single LAC jurisdictions, ensuring continuity in governance and administrative stability.

• Alignment with Anchalik Panchayats: The reorganization of Development Blocks will automatically prompt delimitation adjustments in Anchalik Panchayats, ensuring alignment and coherence in local governance units.

• Zilla Parishad Delimitation: Zilla Parishads will be delimited based on specific population criteria. Each rural Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) will have a standard allocation of 4 Zilla Parishads, with additional allocations based on urban-rural population ratios within mixed-demographic LACs.

• Stable Gaon Panchayat Numbers: The number of Gaon Panchayats will remain unchanged post-delimitation, maintaining continuity in local administrative units and facilitating efficient service delivery.

• Implementation Timeline: The delimitation process for Gaon Panchayats, Anchalik Panchayats, and Zilla Parishads is set to be completed by August 30, 2024. Subsequently, the reorganization of Development Blocks is slated for completion by September 15, 2024, ensuring a phased and systematic approach to implementation.

Assam Cabinet Minister Ranoj Pegu during a press briefing claimed that this strategic reorganization is expected to rationalize resource utilization and enhance democratic representation, reflecting Assam's developmental aspirations.

"The proposal underscores the government's commitment to fostering efficient governance mechanisms that cater to the diverse needs of its populace, setting a precedent for effective grassroots administration across the state," added Pegu.

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