Telangana Government Launches Judicial Review for Administrative Reorganization
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made a significant announcement on Monday. He revealed plans to reorganize mandals, revenue divisions, and districts across Telangana. This process will be overseen by a judicial commission. The commission will be led by a retired high court or Supreme Court judge.
Commission Composition and Timeline
The judicial panel will include officials from the revenue department and other relevant departments. Experts will also join the commission. The group will tour the entire state to gather input from the public and stakeholders. They will invite suggestions, objections, and demands regarding the proposed reorganization.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated the commission would receive six months or a specific timeframe to complete its work. He emphasized the need for a thorough and timely exercise.
Addressing Past Issues
We have received numerous requests about rationalizing districts and mandals, the CM said. He spoke after releasing the 2026 diary and calendar of the Telangana gazetted officers' central association. Revanth Reddy also sought cooperation from government employees to improve public services.
He criticized previous administrative divisions. In the past, districts and mandals were divided unscientifically and for political advantage, he noted. The current effort aims to avoid such pitfalls.
Historical Context of District Changes
Telangana last underwent district reorganization on October 11, 2016. The previous BRS government, led by K Chandrasekhar Rao, created 31 districts from the original 10. Later, on February 17, 2019, two more districts—Mulugu and Narayanpet—were added. This brought the total number of districts to 33.
Scientific Approach and Political Consultation
Revanth Reddy assured that the present exercise would not serve political interests. It will follow a scientific approach, he declared. The issue will be debated in detail during the upcoming budget session of the assembly.
All political parties will be asked for their opinions. After gathering these views, guidelines will be framed for the reorganization. The judicial commission will begin its tour following this process.
Rationalization Goals
I am neither saying that the mandals, revenue divisions or the number of districts will decrease or increase, the CM explained. What I am saying is let's rationalize the districts.
He highlighted specific complaints. For example, Warangal and Hanumakonda became two separate districts, leading to identity concerns. Earlier, a zilla parishad was formed with only five members. There are significant variations between mandals and districts.
Some districts have just one assembly constituency, while others have many. Everything has to be rationalized, Revanth Reddy stated. The exercise will start with the reorganization of mandals.
Naming of Corporations
Responding to demands about naming corporations in the expanded GHMC area, the CM clarified existing names. Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Medchal Malkajgiri, Rangareddy, Bhuvanagiri, and Sangareddy already exist. I have not given any new names, he said.
Secunderabad remains part of Hyderabad district and GHMC limits. The name Rachakonda was changed to Bharat Future City in Rangareddy district. This change occurred because previous rulers favored regal names. All previous commissionerates retain their names.
Population Criteria for Reorganization
The chief minister outlined population criteria for the reorganization. Districts can be reorganized with a population variation of up to 10 percent above or below the norm. Similar criteria will apply to mandals and revenue divisions.
Fulfilling Election Promises
During the 2023 election campaign, Congress leaders including Revanth Reddy and deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka promised to examine genuine cases for reorganization. They committed to sanctioning new revenue divisions and districts if voted to power. This announcement fulfills that pledge.
The judicial commission represents a major step toward administrative reform in Telangana. It aims to create a more efficient and equitable administrative structure based on public input and scientific principles.
