The full form of SDM is “Sub-divisional Magistrate”, which has equal power to the joint power of the executive magistrate and district collector. An SDM is said to be the senior authority of state civil services with needed work experience as a subordinate or junior member of the IAS.
Every district is divided into subdivisions, and each subdivision is overlooked by an SDM, who has the powers of a Collector & Executive Magistrate. He takes multiple decisions under CPC 1973 and various other minor acts.
He serves as a channel of correspondence between the district office and Tahsildars and has direct control over Tahsildars of his subdivision.
Following are the major roles and responsibilities of an SDM of a state: