A significant step has been taken to strengthen the administrative system in the national capital Delhi. Under the Delhi new districts plan, the capital will now have 13 districts instead of the existing 11. The Delhi government cabinet has granted in-principle approval to this proposal, following which it will be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for final approval.
According to government sources, the Delhi cabinet has approved the revenue district restructuring proposal. Along with this decision, the number of sub-divisions will also be increased from 33 to 39. Once the Lieutenant Governor gives approval, the new district-wise structure will be implemented immediately. This change has been prepared based on the 11 zones of the Municipal Corporation.
What’s Changing: Districts, Sub-Divisions & Names
- The number of sub-divisions (offices headed by Sub-Divisional Magistrates — SDMs) will increase from 33 to 39.
- Several existing districts will be reorganized or renamed. For example, the “Sadar” zone will become Purani Delhi (Old Delhi).
- In the eastern Yamuna belt, instead of the existing districts called “East” and “North-East,” two new districts will be created: Shahdara North and Shahdara South.
- The current “North” district will be divided to form a separate Civil Lines district and the Purani Delhi district.
- A large part of the southwestern district will be reorganized into a new district, Najafgarh.
A tentative list of the new 13 districts includes: Purani Delhi, Middle (Defence), New Delhi, Civil Lines, Karol Bagh, Keshav Puram, Narela, Najafgarh, Rohini, Shahdara South, Shahdara North, South Delhi and West Delhi.
Why This Restructuring? — The Government’s Rationale
The main objective behind this reorganisation is to reduce administrative overlap and confusion. Currently, boundaries of revenue districts often do not align with municipal zones of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), which leads to overlapping jurisdictions and complicates governance.
By aligning district boundaries with MCD zones, the government expects smoother coordination across departments, faster delivery of services, and easier redressal of citizens’ grievances.
Additionally, under this plan, each district will have a “mini-secretariat” — a centralized office where residents can access most government services (except law and order) under one roof. This is expected to reduce the need for people to visit multiple offices across the city.
Officials believe the reorganisation will cut down bureaucratic delays and save time for citizens who currently often have to travel far, especially in larger districts.
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Status: Cabinet Approval, Awaiting Final Nod
The proposal has already received in-principle approval from the cabinet, according to government sources.
However, the new district structure and name changes await the final approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (LG). Once that sanction is given, the reorganisation will be implemented formally.
What This Could Mean for Residents
- Citizens may find it easier to access services since district offices will be more evenly distributed.
- With mini-secretariats, most civic tasks — like revenue paperwork, birth/death certificates, building approvals — might be handled from one location.
- The reorganisation could reduce confusion over overlapping administrative jurisdictions and simplify local governance.
- However, until the new boundaries and names are officially notified, there could be a period of transition and adjustment.
