In a major administrative decision aimed at improving grassroots governance, the Assam government has announced the formation of ten new co-districts, which will become operational by August 15, 2025. This move will take the total number of co-districts in the state from the current 39 to 49, strengthening the state’s efforts to bring administration closer to the people. The announcement was made through an official notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). The notification, bearing reference number 375037/496, confirmed that the expansion of co-districts has been approved “as directed by the Honourable Governor of Assam” and is “in the interest of public service.” It also made reference to an earlier directive issued on September 28, 2024, which had facilitated the establishment of the first 39 co-districts under this model.
Assam introduced the co-district model in 2024 to decentralize administrative powers and promote better coordination between civil and police departments. Each co-district is led by its own set of officials to ensure faster delivery of public services, more responsive governance, and improved law and order in the region. With the addition of ten more units, the state government hopes to further enhance efficiency in administrative and policing functions. As part of this expansion, the Assam Police has undertaken a large-scale reshuffle involving over 40 officers. The restructuring includes transfers and new postings across the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Assam Police Service (APS). These transfers are aimed at placing experienced officers in the newly created co-districts, as well as refreshing the leadership in some of the existing ones. Among the officers reassigned are those with significant administrative and policing experience. Senior APS officers who previously served in key urban and rural postings have been assigned to lead the co-districts in different regions. Several IPS officers have also been posted as In-Charge Superintendents of Police in important districts like Nazira, Titabor, and Margherita, ensuring that the law enforcement machinery is well-equipped for the expansion.
A noteworthy aspect of the reshuffle is the appointment of more than 30 officers from the 2022 and subsequent APS recruitment batches as In-Charge Co-District SPs. These officers, now posted in areas such as Golakganj, Bilasipara, Doomdooma, Sadiya, and Duliajan, represent a younger generation of leadership being given greater responsibilities. This reflects the state’s aim to promote fresh talent and dynamic policing through generational change. Government officials say that the expansion of co-districts is a step toward decentralization and more efficient administration. The new structure is expected to reduce pressure on larger district headquarters and provide faster and more localized decision-making. In turn, this is likely to result in improved service delivery for residents and stronger law enforcement in every corner of the state.