Jaipur will not be split into north, south districts: Khachariyawas

JAIPUR: Contrary to the announcement made by CM Ashok Gehlot about dividing Jaipur into two districts, Cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas on Tuesday said there will be no Jaipur North and South.
Speaking to TOI, minister Khachariyawas said, “Jaipur city will remain Jaipur and it will not be divided into North and South. North and South means administrative divisions like two collectors etc. The city has its unique character and it is globally known for its hospitality, buildings, palaces and people. I agree that announcement has been made but no notification has been issued for the same.”
Responding to a question on what the roadmap will be, he replied, “No change will take place until all the stakeholders--- citizens and the elected representatives are consulted.
Since last week, civil society groups have started a signature campaign batting for a composite Jaipur district comprising areas between Amber and Sanganer tehsils. The body, which includes civil society members, party leaders and retired bureaucrats, has urged the state government that dividing Jaipur into two districts — Jaipur North and Jaipur South — will divide the culture, tradition and ethos of the erstwhile state of Jaipur.
In a letter to CM Ashok Gehlot, the body has stressed that Jaipur is a global brand that signifies the architectural beauty of the Walled City to modern skyscrapers in C-Scheme, Jagatpura, Vidhyadhar Nagar and Tonk Road.
Leading the campaign is former BJP state president Arun Chaturvedi, who held a meeting of people from different backgrounds on Monday.
“Jaipur formed by Raja Sawai Man Singh close to 300 years ago should remain Jaipur. Any alteration in its form and territory is akin to causing disrespect to its occupants, founder and beliefs of people. Historic buildings like Hawamahal, Amber fort, City Palace or religious places like Govind Dev Ji temple, Moto Doongri Temple, Shahi Mosque and Gurudwara all belonged to Jaipur and should not be divided into North and South,” he said. Chaturvedi clarified that he is associated with the movement in the capacity of a resident of Jaipur.
The body argued that areas between Amber and Sanganer should be declared Jaipur while the remaining areas should be Jaipur rural. They have also finalised a map of the areas included in Jaipur and are sharing it on social media to build consensus on the same.
Punnet Sharma, a member of the body told TOI, “The downsizing of Jaipur is important as it has grown leaps and bounds and over the years in a different direction. Many areas which don’t even share anything with Jaipur have been included and now the time has come to that areas which shares history, people, legacy etc. should be included in Jaipur district.”
Swami Koslendradas, an associate professor at Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University, argued that he cannot recall any demand made by the residents of Jaipur for dividing this city.
“Since no demand has been made for the division that too in English is unacceptable. I urge the CM that Jaipur should remain Jaipur and another area should be named Amber District as it is centuries older than Jaipur,” said Koslendradas.