Amritsardistrict is one of 22 districts located in the Majha region of the Indian state of Punjab. The city of Amritsar is the headquarters of this district. As of 2011 it is the second most populous district of Punjab, after Ludhiana.
History
During British Rule Amritsar District was part of Lahore Division and was administratively subdivided into 3 tehsils namely - Amritsar, Ajnala and Tarn Taran. However, as part of the partition of India in 1947 Amritsar district was separated from the rest of the division and awarded to India. However, some parts like Patti & Khem Karan falls in the Lahore District but due to partition, these towns became the part of Amritsar District. During the partition period, the Muslim population of the district, some 46%, left for Pakistan while Hindus and Sikhs from West Punjab in newly created Pakistan migrated in the opposite direction. The Sikhs and Hindus were a majority in the Amritsar district constituting about 52% of the population together before the partition of 1947.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census Amritsar district has a population of 2,490,656, roughly equal to the nation of Kuwait or the US state of Nevada. The number of literates in Amritsar district is 1,684,770, with 932,981 male literates and 751,789 female literates. The effective 7+ literacy of the district is 76.27%. The sex ratio of 889 females for every 1,000 males. The total Scheduled Caste population is 770,864. There were 488898 households in the district in 2011. According to 2011 census, Sikhs make up about 69% of the population while Hindus 28%, with a small minority of Christians and Muslims.
Climate
Amritsar has a semiarid climate, typical of Northwestern India and experiences four seasons primarily: winter season where temperatures can reach, monsoon season and post-monsoon season. Annual rainfall is about. The lowest recorded temperature is, was recorded on 9 December 1996 and the highest temperature,, was recorded on 9 June 1995. The official weather station for the city is the civil aerodrome at Rajasansi. Weather records here date back to 15 November 1947.
Administration of departments such as public works, health, education, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc. is headed by district officers who belong to various Punjab state services.
The Commissioner of Police, an officer belonging to the Indian Police Service is responsible for maintaining law and order in the district. He is assisted by officers of the Punjab Police Service and other Punjab Police officials.
The Divisional Forest Officer, an officer belonging to the Indian Forest Service is responsible for the management of forests and wildlife in the district. He is assisted by officers of the Punjab Forest Service, other Punjab Forest officials, and Punjab Wildlife officials.
A Municipal corporation is responsible for the management of public works and health systems in the city of Amritsar. The municipal corporation is a democratic body of councillors and is presided over by the Mayor, who is elected by the councillors. At present, there are more than 70 councillors.
