Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday inaugurated the state’s first Chief Minister's secretariat outside the capital, Dispur.
The new facility in Dibrugarh is aimed at decentralising governance and ensuring that administrative functions are more accessible to the people in upper Assam.
In his inaugural address, Sarma emphasised that the secretariat in Dibrugarh symbolises his government’s ongoing efforts to bring governance closer to the people.
“This secretariat is not just a building but illustrates our sustained efforts to bring governance closer to the people,” Sarma posted on X, following the inauguration event attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries.
He stated that for decades, people living far from the state capital felt disconnected from developmental opportunities due to legacy issues.
His government, he claimed, has been working over the past three years to make districts the centre of governance, empowering district and sub-district machinery to take more significant decisions.
“With the opening of the secretariat, nine districts surrounding Dibrugarh will have proximity to top-level decision making. I will be spending four days a month in this office,” Sarma announced, adding that the new facility will lead to faster decision-making and more efficient implementation of projects.
During his first sitting in the new office, several crucial decisions were made, including the issuance of an order that the Chief Minister will unfurl the national flag on Republic Day in Dibrugarh. He also approved measures to intensify efforts against illegal immigrants across Assam's international borders.
In addition, a 45-day ban on new land sale permissions in Barpeta town, the areas within five kilometres of Batadrava Than in Nagaon, and Majuli district was approved, along with the prohibition of land mutation in these regions.
Other decisions taken at the new secretariat include forming the Assam State Museum Management Society, transferring commissioners of 19 districts, and approving guidelines on the use of social media platforms by government departments.
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