Yogi Adityanath Announces UP’s 76th District: How New Districts Are Formed, What It Costs

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 18:13 IST

After the state approves the proposal or issues an executive order, work starts on demarcation, budgeting, staffing, and setting up infrastructure for the new district

Given Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's announcement, it is expected that the proposal will soon come before the Assembly. (News18 Hindi)

Uttar Pradesh is preparing to establish its 76th district, as announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The new district will be named Kalyan Singh Nagar, although the proposal has not yet been presented in the assembly. Given the Chief Minister’s announcement, it is expected that the proposal will soon come before the Assembly.

The new district will be formed by reallocating areas from Aligarh and Bulandshahr. This area was the birthplace and workplace of former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, hence the district’s name.

Currently, India has 797 districts spread across 28 states and 8 union territories. When India gained Independence in 1947, there were approximately 230 districts, consisting of areas from 17 provinces of British India and numerous princely states. At the time of Independence, Uttar Pradesh, known then as the United Provinces, had 35-38 districts. It was later renamed Uttar Pradesh.

Over the past decade (2015-2025), Rajasthan formed the highest number of new districts, totalling 19. Andhra Pradesh also increased its district count by 19 in one go during the same period. In Madhya Pradesh, 10 new districts have been established in the last 24 years, including several between 2015-2025. In 2022, West Bengal decided to form 7 new districts. Over the past ten years, more than 40 new districts have been created across the country.

How Are New Districts Formed?

The authority to create, modify, or abolish districts lies with the state governments. This can be done either through an executive order or by passing a law in the state assembly. Many states opt for the executive route by issuing notifications in the official gazette.

How Do New Districts Help?

States argue that smaller districts facilitate better administration and governance, which is why new districts have been created in recent years. However, it is difficult to assess the impact on administrative efficiency.

Does The Central Government Have Any Role In Creating New Districts?

The central government does not play a role in renaming or creating districts. States have the autonomy to make these decisions. When a state wishes to rename a district or railway station, the Ministry of Home Affairs gets involved. The state’s request is forwarded to various departments and agencies such as the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Intelligence Bureau, Postal Department, Geological Survey of India, and Railway Ministry for approval. After reviewing their responses, a no-objection certificate can be issued.

What Has Been The Trend Of Creating New Districts In The Country?

According to the 2011 census, there were 593 districts in India. Census results indicate that 46 districts were created between 2001-2011. Approximately 40 new districts have been formed in the last ten years. The 2021 census is yet to be conducted.

How Much Does It Cost To Create A New District?

Generally, creating a new district costs around Rs 2,000 crore, which includes administrative buildings, roads, water and electricity systems, staff appointments, and other basic facilities. The construction of district headquarters, courts, district councils, agriculture, education, and health department buildings alone can cost up to Rs 500 crore. The remaining estimated cost of Rs 1500 crore is for road networks, water, sanitation, and other infrastructure.

State governments set the budget based on needs and area; the cost may vary depending on premises, facilities, and local arrangements. The Rajasthan government announced a budget of around Rs 1000 crore for new districts in 2023-2025, prioritising basic construction.

Which Is The Largest And Smallest District In The Country?

The largest district in India is Kutch in Gujarat, with an area of about 45,674 square kilometres. The smallest district is Mahe in the union territory of Puducherry, with an area of only 9 square kilometres. Kutch is so large that it is bigger than 9 states in India: Kerala, Haryana, Goa, Sikkim, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

What Does A New District Need, And How Long After Announcement Does It Become Functional?

Administrative, basic, and social facilities are essential for creating a new district. Generally, a new district can start functioning administratively within 3-6 months after the state government issues the notification.

Once the state government finalises the executive order or passes the proposal in the assembly, work begins on demarcation, budgeting, staffing, and infrastructure development for the new district.

The following are the essential requirements for forming a new district:

• A minimum population usually around 2 lakh, although it may vary by area.
• Adequate area and availability of irrigation and connectivity means.
• Administrative facilities such as district headquarters, collectorate, police station, court, education, health, agriculture, panchayat/municipality buildings, roads, and water systems. At least 3-4 subdivisions or tehsils.

Who Gets Posted First In A Newly Formed District?

The first appointments in a new district are the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) as administrative officers. Following this, the budget and resources are allocated. The existing property and staff are divided from the districts from which the new district is formed.

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