As of 2024, India is administratively divided into 806 districts. This figure reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance governance and administrative efficiency nationwide. The increase in the number of districts is a response to various factors, including population growth, urbanization, and the need for localized governance.

Understanding Districts in India

Districts serve as crucial administrative units that facilitate the implementation of government policies and programs at the grassroots level. Each district is typically headed by a District Collector or District Magistrate, who oversees local administration and ensures that state policies are effectively executed.

Breakdown by State

The number of districts varies significantly across India’s 28 states and 8 union territories. Here’s a breakdown of the districts per state:

• Uttar Pradesh has the most districts at 75.
• Rajasthan has 33 districts and is the largest state by area.
• Maharashtra has 36 districts.
• Madhya Pradesh has 52 districts.
• West Bengal has 23 districts.

Least Districts

On the other end of the spectrum, some states and union territories have very few districts:

• Goa has only 2 districts.
• Sikkim has 4 districts.
• Lakshadweep has a single district.
• Mizoram has 8 districts.

Changing Boundaries

District boundaries in India are frequently redrawn and new districts are carved out of existing ones. For example, in 2011 the Census of India covered 640 districts, significantly fewer than the 806 today.

Some recent examples of new districts being formed include:

• In 2022, Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into 20 districts.
• In 2023, Uttarakhand created 2 new districts, bringing its total to 13.
• Telangana, formed in 2014, has steadily increased its districts from 10 to 33 currently.

Importance of Districts

Districts are India's most important administrative divisions, below the state/UT level. They are responsible for implementing government policies and programs at the local level. Some key functions of districts include:

• Revenue collection and land records management
• Overseeing elections and law and order
• Implementing centrally sponsored schemes and state government programs
• Coordinating the work of various government departments

Conclusion

The number of districts in India continues to evolve as the country strives to improve governance and administration. While the total currently stands at 806, this figure is likely to change in the coming years as more districts are created to serve the diverse needs of India’s vast population.

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