Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to cut down lavish meaty dine-in treatments to the VIP’s

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a resolute move, has announced significant changes to government protocols and spending aimed at phasing out the VIP culture

On July 29, Himanta Biswa Sarma declared his government’s unwavering commitment to ending unnecessary extravagance at government functions and serving only vegetarian and ‘satvik’ food at official events. This directive, communicated through a post on X, instructs district commissioners to ensure no excessive spending for government activities. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s emphasis on shifting governance to reflect people’s appreciation and simplicity underscores the government’s dedication to serving the public’s interests. He clarified that this new policy would not apply to state guests, maintaining a distinction for official visitors outside the state. The Chief Minister reiterated his stance against unnecessary expenditures, highlighting the need to align government functions with the public’s expectations. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline government practices and make them more relatable and acceptable to the general populace. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s administration ensures that official meetings and events are conducted modestly and cost-effectively, setting an example of fiscal prudence and cultural respect. In addition to these administrative changes, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the positive trends in Assam’s employment scenario. He claimed that the state’s unemployment rate had decreased to 6.1 per cent in the 2023-24 financial year, a significant drop from 8 per cent in 2022-23.

Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed this decline to the proactive policies of the BJP-led government, which aimed to create ample growth opportunities for the youth. He mentioned that one of his governance’s primary focuses was tackling unemployment, a major promise made during the elections. The Chief Minister expressed his unwavering optimism that the unemployment rate would continue to decrease as the results of various policy interventions began to manifest, instilling hope and confidence in the citizens. He underscored the government’s commitment to the youth of Assam, aiming to provide them with meaningful employment opportunities. Furthermore, Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government has supported startups and self-help groups (SHGs) through financial and policy assistance. This support is part of a larger strategy to foster entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency among the youth. The Chief Minister noted that rapid infrastructure development had also played a crucial role in job creation across the state. The scheme ‘Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan’, launched in September 2023, was mentioned as a key initiative aimed at helping young people establish their ventures. This comprehensive approach to employment and economic development reflects the government’s efforts to build a self-reliant Assam, providing its citizens with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. Sarma provided specific details on the nature of the employment gains, clarifying that the new jobs were primarily in the public and private sectors, leaving no questions about the government’s efforts in job creation. Nonetheless, the overall message was one of progress and commitment to improving the livelihoods of Assam’s youth.