Goa to Get a Third District with Headquarters at Quepem

¨     The creation of a third district in Goa, with its headquarters in Quepem, has been approved.

¨     The formation of a third district in Goa was announced by the state government to improve administrative efficiency.

¨     The decision was approved earlier by the Goa Cabinet and was discussed with legislators across party lines.

¨     The new district will comprise the talukas of Sanguem, Dharbandora, Quepem and Canacona.

¨     The headquarters of the newly created district will be located at Quepem.

¨     At present, Goa has two districts — North Goa and South Goa.

¨     Currently, North Goa district comprises five talukas – Bardez, Tiswadi, Pernem, Bicholim, and Sattari.

¨     South Goa has seven talukas – Ponda, Mormugao, Salcete, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Quepem, and Canacona.

¨     The proposal aligns with NITI Aayog’s recommendation for smaller districts to enhance last-mile governance.

¨     A meeting of all political parties was held to review and finalise the proposal.

¨     The creation of the new district aims to ensure better access to government services.

¨     A seven-member committee headed by the Chief Secretary was constituted in November 2023 to examine the proposal.