North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad, one of the most significant administrative bodies in the state of
West Bengal, falls under the jurisdiction of the North 24 Parganas district. The Zilla Parishad operates from its head office in
Barasat, a strategic location that ensures efficient governance and service delivery to the people of the district. The Parishad
is named after the district itself, which is renowned for its cultural heritage and socio-economic significance in West Bengal.
TOn 18th June 2015, the Government of West Bengal issued a notification (number 244/MA/O/C-4/1A-12/2012
dated 6th May 2015, published in the Kolkata Gazette Extraordinary on 7th May 2015) to streamline governance in the region.
This included the integration of municipal areas and panchayat areas within the district for better administrative functioning.
The North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad was formed under the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973, and has since played a pivotal role in
ensuring sustainable development across the district.
The North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad geographically encompasses a large area, with its administrative
jurisdiction divided into several blocks, panchayats, and subdivisions. It operates through a structured framework consisting of
one (1) head office, multiple block offices, and panchayat offices spread across the district. These administrative units work
collaboratively under the aegis of the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development, Government of West Bengal.
The district's total geographical area is approximately 4,094 sq. km, and the Zilla Parishad serves
a population of over 11 million people (as per the latest census), making it one of the most populous districts in the state.
It caters to the needs of diverse communities, including a significant proportion of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes
(ST), ensuring equitable development and service delivery. The Parishad provides essential services like rural housing,
drinking water supply, healthcare, sanitation, and road connectivity to around 2.6 million households.
The North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad shares its boundaries with the Hooghly River on the west,
the Sundarbans on the south, and Bangladesh on the east. The district is surrounded by key administrative and municipal
regions, including Kolkata on the southern edge and Nadia district to the north. Its strategic location and proximity to
the state capital make it an important hub for socio-economic and cultural activities.
Apart from its routine functions, the Zilla Parishad has a comprehensive development agenda. It focuses on:
- Rural Development Projects: Including housing schemes under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and sanitation under
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
- Road Connectivity: Construction and maintenance of rural roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
- Healthcare Initiatives: Upgrading primary health centers and implementing vector-control measures to combat diseases
like malaria and dengue.
- Education and Skill Development: Supporting schools and vocational training centers to enhance literacy and employability.
With a vision of inclusive and sustainable growth, the Zilla Parishad also emphasizes environmental
conservation and disaster management, given the district's vulnerability to cyclones and floods.
The North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad invites all residents and stakeholders to utilize its
services and contribute to the region's overall progress and prosperity. Further details on its initiatives, ongoing projects,
and future plans are available on this website.