Himachal Sets Up Panel to Review District, Tehsil and Block Reorganisation

In a move that could reshape the administrative map of Himachal Pradesh, the state government has constituted a four-member commission to examine the creation, merger and bifurcation of districts, subdivisions, tehsils, sub-tehsils and development blocks across the state.

The commission will be headed by retired Himachal Pradesh High Court judge Justice Dharam Chand Chaudhary. Its other members include advocate Vishal Panwar and retired Indian Forest Service officer Rajesh Sharma, while the Director of Land Records will serve as the member secretary.

As per a notification issued by the General Administration Department on October 14, the panel has been tasked with reviewing the existing administrative structure and assessing whether changes are needed to improve governance and public service delivery. Factors such as population growth, geographical conditions, accessibility, administrative efficiency and public convenience will be taken into account during the review.

The commission will hold consultations with stakeholders, elected representatives and government departments before submitting its recommendations to the state government. It has also been directed to evaluate the financial implications of creating new administrative units, including the costs associated with infrastructure development and manpower requirements.

Apart from recommending the formation or restructuring of administrative units, the panel will explore ways to streamline the functioning of existing offices and improve administrative efficiency without placing an additional financial burden on the state exchequer.

The commission will function from its headquarters in Shimla and has been given a six-month timeframe to complete its exercise. It is expected to submit a detailed report with specific recommendations to the government at the end of its tenure.

The review is likely to generate significant public interest, particularly in areas where long-standing demands for new districts, tehsils and other administrative units have been raised to improve access to government services and local governance.