In October 2024, which state became the first in India to introduce the concept of ‘co-districts’, an initiative to decentralise district administration and take governance to the grassroots?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Assam
Explanation:
• In October 2024, Assam became the first Indian state to introduce the innovative concept of ‘co-districts’.
• The initiative was designed to decentralise district administration for better grassroots governance.
• It involves creating smaller administrative units within large existing districts to improve accessibility and service delivery.
• The first phase of this implementation was officially launched on October 4 and 5, 2024.
• This reform aims to reduce administrative burdens and enhance citizen-centric governance.
Information Booster:
• This move aligns with the broader national objective of administrative reforms and last-mile delivery efficiency.
• Assam’s model is likely to serve as a pilot for similar efforts in other states with vast or densely populated districts.
Additional Knowledge:
Arunachal Pradesh (Option a)
• Known for district reorganizations due to its tribal and geographical complexity, but did not launch co-districts in 2024.
• Focus has been on infrastructure and tribal welfare.
Kerala (Option b)
• Renowned for decentralized planning through Panchayati Raj, not the co-district model.
• Governance reforms in Kerala focus more on digitalization and participatory planning.
Tamil Nadu (Option c)
• Tamil Nadu has an efficient district administrative system but has not yet adopted the co-district framework.
• Emphasis is on urban governance reforms and smart cities rather than subdivision of districts.