2 new districts, 24 sub-divisions yet to become functional in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Two new districts and 24 sub-divisions (Civil) across Assam is yet to become functional. And it is unlikely that any step would be initiated to make them functional in the coming days what with the present State government having only nine months left for its tenure to be completed.

It was on February 26, 2016, that the then Congress government created these districts and sub-divisions through a notification. The then government even appointed DCs of the two districts, namely South Kamrup — from Kamrup, and East Kamrup — from Kamrup (Metro).

The 24 newly created but now non-functional Civil sub-divisions are Azara, Bihpuria-Narayanpur, Chandrapur, Dakhin Kamrup, Dhekiajuli, Dispur, Diyumgbra (Dima Hasao), Guwahati, Howraghat, Kalgachia, Katigorah, Katlichera, Lakhipur (in Goalpara), Manikpur, Merapani, Moran, Mukalmua, Naharkatia, Patharkandi, Ramkrishna Nagar, Sarukhetri, Sonapur, Sorbhog, and Tihu.

But with the change of guards at Dispur in May 2016, the entire process was put on hold as the new BJP-led coalition government decided to examine the feasibility of the previous government's move in this regard. In November 16, 2016, the new State government constituted a Cabinet sub-committee to carry forward this policy decision.

The panel headed by Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also has two Cabinet collegaues as its members — Ministers Keshab Mahanta and Rihon Daimary. Though this Cabinet sub-committee has met thrice till date, nothing has been finalized during the past 40 months since its formation. It is yet to submit its report.