Haryana Forms 4-Member Panel to Redraw Administrative Boundaries of State

The Haryana government has set the wheels in motion for a major administrative overhaul, forming a high-level ministerial committee to redraw the state's administrative boundaries. This move, announced through a recent notification, has sparked both interest and speculation about its implications and timing. 

The four-member committee, comprising Agriculture Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar, Finance Minister Jai Prakash Dalal, Development and Panchayat Minister Mahipal Dhanda, and Urban Local Bodies Minister Subhash Sudha, has been tasked with a comprehensive review of the state's administrative structure. Their mandate covers the reorganization of districts, sub-divisions, tehsils, sub-tehsils, blocks, panchayats, and panchayat samitis.

Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad, who issued the notification, explained the committee's objectives: "The aim is to provide better access to citizen services and to bring about administrative efficiency, synergy across different levels of governance, and better delivery of services." The committee is expected to consider various factors, including demographic, administrative, economic, and geographical aspects, in making their recommendations. 

One of the key aspects of this reorganization could be the potential upgrade of Gohana in Sonepat district and Hansi in Hisar district to district status, a demand that has been gaining momentum in recent times. An official commented that this committee formation has rekindled hopes for administrative revamp in these areas.

However, the timing of this initiative has raised eyebrows. With the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 2024, questions are being asked about whether the committee will be able to submit its report before the model code of conduct comes into effect, likely in the second half of September. The committee has been given a three-month timeframe to submit its report, which puts it very close to the election period. 

The government's decision to allow the committee to associate certain MLAs in discharging its functions adds another layer of political significance to this exercise. It suggests that local political considerations may play a role in the reorganization process. 

This administrative restructuring, if implemented, could have far-reaching effects on governance in Haryana. It has the potential to change the political landscape of the state, affecting everything from local body elections to assembly constituencies. The creation of new districts or the redrawing of existing boundaries could alter the balance of power in various regions of the state. 

As the committee begins its work, all eyes will be on its proceedings and recommendations. The outcome of this exercise could significantly impact the way Haryana is administered and how citizens interact with government services. Whether this reorganization will be completed before the upcoming elections or become a major election issue remains to be seen.

For now, the people of Haryana, especially in areas like Gohana and Hansi, are watching with keen interest, hoping that this administrative reshuffle will bring governance closer to their doorsteps and improve the delivery of essential services.