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The demand to bifurcate Kerala’s Malappuram district has gained renewed momentum, with Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and Tanur MLA PK Navas calling for the creation of a new district to improve administrative efficiency.
The demand, which has been around for decades, has resurfaced after the Kerala government announced plans to examine the possibility of splitting Ernakulam district and creating a new district centred around Muvattupuzha.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan had earlier announced that the state would constitute a Delimitation Commission to examine the proposal for a new Muvattupuzha district.
In a Facebook post, Navas said the same rationale should apply to Malappuram, which he said has a greater administrative burden because of its population and geographical spread.
“With a population of 41.13 lakh, an area of 3,550 square kilometres, and a population density of 1,157 people per square kilometre, the demand for a new district in Malappuram is also well justified (2011 Census),” Navas said.
IUML state general secretary PMA Salam has also backed the demand, arguing that Kerala should increase the number of districts in proportion to its population.
“Malappuram has a population of around 45 lakh, while there are other districts with populations of only 10 to 15 lakh. Yet, resource allocation and distribution, and development activities are carried out more or less on an equal basis across these districts. That is an injustice,” Salam told the media.
The demand has also received support from within the administration. Tirur Sub-Collector Dilip K Kainikkara had publicly advocated for bifurcating Malappuram in May, citing the need to improve administrative efficiency.
In a Facebook post, Kainikkara argued that excessively large districts could make it difficult for people to access government services and that smaller administrative units could improve service delivery.
The Malappuram bifurcation demand comes as the Kerala government prepares to examine district reorganisation across the state. Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar said steps to constitute the Delimitation and District Reorganisation Commission would begin after Onam.
The proposed commission is expected to examine demands for the creation and reorganisation of districts, including the proposal to create a new district centred around Muvattupuzha.
The renewed demand has once again brought attention to the size and administrative challenges of Malappuram, Kerala’s most populous district. Supporters argue that dividing the district could bring government services and administration closer to residents, while the broader question of how Kerala’s districts should be reorganised is now likely to be examined through the proposed commission.
