Districts serve as the primary administrative divisions in India's three-tier governance structure, functioning at the second level between states and sub-district units. India currently has 737 districts, each headed by a District Collector or Deputy Commissioner who oversees local administration, revenue collection, and law enforcement. Districts act as the main implementation arm for state and central government programs, managing essential public services including healthcare, education, agriculture extension, and social welfare schemes. They coordinate election administration, maintain land records, issue various certificates and licenses, and serve as the key link between state-level policy and grassroots delivery. The district headquarters typically houses offices of various government departments and serves as the administrative center for rural and urban local bodies within its jurisdiction.