Guwahati: The Assam Revenue Department’s announcement to shut down 36 revenue circle offices across the state has stirred widespread apprehension, particularly among residents in rural and semi-urban communities.
The decision, aimed at consolidating administrative services, will see staff from the affected offices relocated to other revenue circles within their respective districts.
However, locals fear that this move could disrupt access to essential revenue-related services, adding to the burden on those who rely on these facilities.
The offices set to be closed span multiple districts, including Bajali’s Sarupeta, Barpeta’s Baghbar and Sarthebari, and Dangtol and Manikpur in Bongaigaon. Other districts affected are Biswanath (Halem), Charaideo (Sapekhati), Darrang (Pathorighat and Pub Mangaldai), Dhemaji (Gogamukh), and Dhubri (Agomoni and Chapar). In addition, the Dibrugarh (West) office, Rongjuli in Goalpara, Khumtai in Golaghat, Algapur and Lala in Hailakandi, and West Jorhat will also be shut down.
Kamrup Metropolitan district will see the closure of the Chandrapur office, while Kamrup district is set to lose revenue circles in North Guwahati, Kayan, Chaygaon, Nagarbera, and Chamaria.
The decision extends to Karimganj (Badarpur), Lakhimpur (Kadam and Subansiri), Majuli (Ujani Majuli), Morigaon (Mikirbheta and Bhuragaon), and Nalbari (Pachim Nalbari, Ghagrapar, Barbhag, and Banekuchi). Closures are also planned for Amguri, Sivasagar, and South Salmara-Mankachar’s South Salmara.
The closures have sparked strong reactions from the public, who worry about increased inconvenience and longer travel distances to access services previously available locally. Critics argue that rural residents, already facing logistical challenges, will be disproportionately affected. They warn that the consolidation could lead to delays and difficulties in accessing essential revenue services, undermining the benefits of local administration.
While the Revenue Department has stated that the move is intended to streamline operations, many believe that it may instead cause disruption, especially for those who depend on easy access to these offices. The decision is likely to face continued scrutiny as residents and community leaders voice their concerns over the potential impact on daily life and administrative efficiency.
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