Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government is planning a major overhaul of its administrative structure by restructuring the state’s subdivisions, development blocks, tehsils, and sub-tehsils. A dedicated commission will be constituted for this purpose, with an official notification expected to be issued soon following cabinet approval.
The proposed commission will review the existing boundaries of these administrative units and submit a comprehensive report to the state government, which will form the basis for future action.
According to government sources, the decision has been prompted by persistent difficulties faced by the public. In several districts, residents currently have to travel to distant subdivision headquarters for official work, even though a neighboring subdivision office is located much closer to their villages. The rigid boundary limitations have led to widespread public inconvenience, an issue that multiple MLAs have repeatedly raised before the state government.
Apart from redrawing boundaries and reorganizing units, the commission will suggest measures to rationalize the number of administrative offices, including potential cuts. The panel will seek feedback and suggestions from public representatives as well as administrative officers.
Departmental officials stated that the commission will study the geographical location, population, distance, administrative requirements, availability of resources, and the overall financial burden of these units.
Administrative units that lack the expected workload or adequate facilities may face restructuring or merger. Conversely, new arrangements could be recommended for remote and inaccessible areas to ensure public convenience.
The government maintains that the step is aimed at reducing public expenditure and making the administrative machinery more accountable.
At present, Himachal Pradesh comprises 12 districts, 81 subdivisions, 92 development blocks, and 193 tehsils and sub-tehsils. A large number of these sub-tehsils and new subdivisions were opened based on public demand during the previous Virbhadra Singh-led Congress regime, and the expansion continued under the subsequent Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government. The current restructuring process is being initiated to make this administrative setup more effective and practical.
