The announcement
In a move towards better financial as well as health management of Assam officials on Monday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made an announcement and directed the top officials to ensure that only vegetarian and satvik food is served in all official government conferences and events.He further mentioned that this rule would not be applicable to state guests.
As per a report published in a digital daily, CM Sarma directed the officials to not avoid overspending unnecessarily on government functions. He said, “Only simple vegetarian meals are to be served at all official meetings. This rule shall not apply to state guests,” he said at a conference with deputy commissioners in Guwahati.
The end of VIP culture
In a bid to break the age-old shackles of VIP culture, Sarma added, “Our government will end VIP culture. We are cutting down on vehicles and barricades related to the Chief Minister’s security.”
He further added that VIP protocols need to be changed to align with the masses and what people appreciate.
CM Sarma also mentioned that the convoy must not consist of more than 10 cars during a visit by a chief minister, a deputy commissioner or a superintendent of police. He further instructed deputy commissioners to keep government functions simple and avoid overspending on state events.
‘Our government will end VIP culture; Only veg food at govt programme’: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Changing the dynamics
Of late, Sarma also made an announcement towards fair fund management by announcing that the ministers and government officials will have to pay for their own electricity bills.
Guwahati, July 24 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday asserted that due to the state government’s proactive approach, a sizable quantity of land encroached was freed which is bigger than Chandigarh city.
“We are ending the VIP culture rule of paying the electricity bills of government officials using taxpayer money. Myself and the Chief Secretary will set an example and start paying our power bills from July 1 onward. Beginning July 2024, all public servants will have to pay for their own electricity consumption,” the Assam Chief Minister said in one of his official posts.
