Understanding District Administration
In the context of local governance in India, the administration of a district is primarily the responsibility of the District Magistrate or Collector. Below are detailed explanations of their role and responsibilities.
Role of the District Magistrate/Collector
- The District Magistrate (DM), also known as the District Collector, is an administrative officer who oversees the functioning of the district.
- They are responsible for maintaining law and order, implementing government policies, and coordinating between various departments.
- The DM acts as a link between the state government and the local administration, ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level.
Key Responsibilities
- Revenue Collection: The DM is responsible for collecting land revenue and other taxes.
- Law and Order: They oversee the police and ensure the maintenance of peace and order within the district.
- Disaster Management: The DM coordinates disaster relief efforts during natural calamities.
- Public Administration: They supervise the execution of development programs and welfare schemes.
Comparison with Other Roles
- Sarpanch: The Sarpanch is the head of a gram panchayat (village council) and is responsible for local governance at the village level, not the entire district.
- Mayor: The Mayor oversees the municipal corporation, which deals with urban governance but does not cover the entire district.
- Sessions Judge: The Sessions Judge is responsible for judicial matters and does not have administrative powers over the district.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer is option 'C' - District Magistrate or Collector, as they hold the overall administrative authority in a district, ensuring effective governance and management of resources.

Who administers the whole district?

Key Points:
- Sarpanch: A sarpanch is the elected head of a village or a group of villages. They have administrative responsibilities at the village level and do not administer the entire district.
- Mayor: A mayor is the head of a municipal corporation or city government. They have administrative authority over a specific city or town and not the entire district.
- Sessions Judge: A sessions judge is a judicial officer who presides over criminal cases at the district level. They do not have administrative responsibilities for the entire district.
District Magistrate or Collector:
- The District Magistrate or Collector is a senior administrative officer appointed by the state government.
- They are responsible for the overall administration and coordination of various departments within the district.
- The District Magistrate or Collector is the chief representative of the state government in the district and is responsible for implementing government policies and programs.
- They oversee law and order, revenue administration, development projects, welfare schemes, and disaster management in the district.
- They also act as a bridge between the government and the people, addressing public grievances and ensuring the smooth functioning of the district administration.
In conclusion, the District Magistrate or Collector administers the whole district and plays a crucial role in the effective governance and development of the area.