Why Was Alirajpur District of Madhya Pradesh Renamed to ‘Aalirajpur’?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Alirajpur district has been renamed to Aalirajpur to reflect local sentiment.
- The name change was officially approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Residents have long advocated for the name change, citing cultural significance.
- Official documents will be updated to reflect the change.
- The decision is seen as a victory for regional identity and heritage.
Bhopal, Sep 15 (NationPress) In a significant step reflecting local sentiment and historical continuity, the name of Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur district has been officially changed to ‘Aalirajpur’, following the approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
The Public Relations Department of the state government announced a formal notification on Monday, confirming that the change will take effect immediately. This decision comes after a long-standing demand from residents of the region, who believed that the name ‘Aalirajpur’ better reflects the district’s cultural and historical identity. Responding to this public sentiment, the District Collector presented a proposal to the state government, which was subsequently forwarded to the central government for final approval.
On August 21, the Home Ministry issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), clearing the way for the name change. With the notification now effective, all official documents, government records, maps, and administrative references will start reflecting the updated name. The process of updating signage, digital systems, and public communications is expected to begin within days.
Alirajpur district was established from Jhabua district on May 17, 2008, and was named after its administrative headquarters, Alirajpur. Since its inception, the district has played a vital role in tribal development and governance. The name change is viewed as a symbolic affirmation of the region’s identity and heritage.
The call for renaming has been present for over a decade. In 2012, a local organization submitted a memorandum during a district planning committee meeting chaired by then-Minister Antar Singh Arya, advocating for the change. The proposal emphasized historical relevance and cultural alignment as key reasons. The committee unanimously supported the request, initiating a formal procedure that culminated in this week’s notification.
Local leaders and residents have embraced the decision, considering it a respectful acknowledgment of the district’s legacy. The change is anticipated to strengthen regional pride and enhance clarity in administrative nomenclature. With this update, Madhya Pradesh continues its commitment to align governance with public sentiment and historical context, emphasizing the significance of identity in regional development.