In a move aimed at curbing extravagance and promoting simplicity, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 29 directed all District Commissioners to serve only vegetarian meals at government functions.
This directive follows a series of complaints about lavish dining arrangements at official events. Additionally, Sarma has ordered the reduction of vehicles in his convoy to ten.
The directive comes in the wake of Sarma’s criticism of Nalbari District Commissioner Varnali Deka, who was reprimanded in June for organising an elaborate lunch during a state Cabinet meeting.
Despite clear instructions for a simple vegetarian meal, the lunch included a variety of vegetarian dishes along with multiple fish and meat preparations, which Sarma deemed excessive.
In a letter to Deka, Sarma expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “In spite of repeated instructions to arrange a simple vegetarian meal during the Cabinet meeting held on June 27, 2024, you have not adhered to the guidelines.”
The CM’s insistence on simplicity reflects his broader agenda of austerity and efficient governance.
In a separate announcement, Sarma highlighted the remarkable turnaround of Assam’s three power companies.
Once loss-making entities, they are now recognised as some of the best-performing state-owned utilities in the country.
Speaking at a recent event, Sarma remarked, “Until three years ago, our power utilities were dependent on government support. We had to allocate funds reserved for essential services to keep these companies afloat. Today, APDCL, AEGCL, and others stand on their own feet, having transformed into profit-earning entities.”
The chief minister also pointed out the success of the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which Assam has installed a total capacity of 1,073 kW across 311 households.
This initiative is part of Sarma’s broader push towards sustainable and self-sufficient energy solutions.
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