SDM Full Form

The sub-divisional magistrate is an administrative position that belongs to the district level office for the district subdivision. The sub-divisional magistrate is the head of the subdivision of any district. The IAS officers are positioned as the sub-divisional magistrate during their training period. SDM are the administrative officers under the state civil services and are selected through the UPSC exams. Many districts have a distinctive designation for the sub-divisional magistrate, such as deputy collector or assistant commissioner. 

Definition Of The Sub-Divisional Magistrate As Per The Legal System Of India

In India’s legal and administrative system, the SDM has specific definitions in the variant legal acts and positions. Therefore, in all the illustrations, the powers, roles, and responsibilities vary per the law-and-order system within the particular district. Below are the mentions.

• Section 23 Cr.P.C.: According to this section in India’s legal system, the SDM is the subordinate of the district magistrate. The core responsibility of the sub-divisional magistrate is to look after the law management in the particular district they are posted
• Section 109,107/151,133,145,110, and 146 Cr. P.C: In this section of the administrative system, the sub-divisional magistrate avails many administrative perks and powers
• Section 20(4) Cr.P.C.: The sub-divisional magistrate under this section of the legislative system is positioned as the executive magistrate as the representative of the state government holding the complete charge of the subdivision of the respective district

Functions Of The Sub-Divisional Magistrate

There is a variable function of the sub-divisional magistrate on various levels of the services. Below are the details regarding the variable function of the sub-divisional magistrate in various working departments. Let’s have a look.Functions in the revenue department: In the revenue department, the sub-divisional magistrate holds the prime responsibility to manage the revenue and associate activities in the districts. The Patwaris, Kanungos, and Girdavars are the subordinate staff members under the sub-divisional magistrate.
The primary functions of the sub-divisional magistrate in revenue function are:

• Conducting the differentiation and alteration of revenue
• Attending the revenue cases
• Maintaining and management of land records
• Prime custodian of the public land
• Operating as the settlement mediocre
• Functions in the magisterial department: In the magisterial department, the sub-divisional magistrate is responsible for conducting the preventions under the code of criminal acts. It is the prime function where they empower their role over executive magistrate. In the magisterial department, a sub-divisional magistrate can set an effective enquiry over the unnatural death of women before the police record and assist in the police enquiry for deaths in police lock-ups and jails. During any natural calamity like floods, earthquakes, riots, or fire incidents, the sub-divisional magistrate is responsible for submitting the descriptive reports to the government
• Catastrophe management: The sub-divisional magistrate holds the prime responsibility for the safety and security of the public during any disaster or calamity. To provide rehabilitation and relief to the public, disaster management and spread awareness during any catastrophe. It is the responsibility of the sub-divisional magistrate to monitor the preparations and facilities for disaster management

Roles And Responsibilities Of The Sub-Divisional Magistrate

The position of the SDM is the most initial position for an IAS officer. These responsibilities help them maintain the precise and effective administration and monitoring of law and order in the state. Let’s look for some major roles and responsibilities that the sub-divisional magistrate has with their position. Below are the mentions:

• Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) maintains constant connections with local public and state government authorities. It is necessary to keep a close eye on the welfare and management policies and monitor the impact and outcome
• The sub-divisional magistrate oversees the sub-divisional districts’ growth, welfare, and development programmes
• The SDM takes close looks after any complaints and grievances of the local public within that district and takes necessary measures to solve them
• The sub-divisional officer must be coordinated with the head officials of the divisional offices and departments
• The SDM must supervise the revenue management and activities of the subdivision within the district
• The sub-divisional magistrate is responsible for monitoring the preparation, management, supervision, and rehabilitation control with the law-and-order management in the condition of any natural calamities, riots, pandemics, etc

Conclusion

An IAS officer’s prime responsibility as a sub-divisional magistrate provides them with the core knowledge of the administrative system from the ground level operation, management, and responsibilities. The roles and power of the SDM make him in charge of the welfare and development program of the particular district. The significant responsibility of the SDM is to assist the district magistrate with the clerical job with other operative management and control. He attains the power to process the order for arrest, investigation, tear gas and curfew in the district as per the situation.