📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a groundbreaking announcement on June 16, marking the end of a 75-year-old VIP culture prevalent in the state. The long-standing practice involved the state government footing the electricity bills of high-ranking government officials, including the CM himself. Sarma declared, “We (his government) are ending the VIP culture rule of paying electricity bills of government officials using taxpayer money.”
Taking a bold step towards change, the 55-year-old BJP leader stated that he and the Chief Secretary of Assam would lead by example and personally pay their own electricity bills, starting July 1. Furthermore, Sarma emphasized that beginning July 2024, all public servants would be required to pay for their own electricity consumption. He highlighted that the current system, in place for 75 years, would be revised to ensure that the electricity board does not have to increase charges to compensate for losses incurred due to the existing VIP culture.
In a candid revelation, Sarma admitted, “Even I have been enjoying free electricity for three years; I was not aware. Got to know about it recently during the course of a discussion. I hope this will help the electricity board.” His proactive stance on reform coincided with the Assam Secretariat becoming the first green state government headquarters in the country, following the inauguration of a 2.5 MW solar power project on its premises.
