Assam to End VIP Culture: 'Veg-Only Policy For All Government Events', Himanta's Big Announcement

Guwahati: Making a big announcement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the state government will end the VIP culture. He made the announcement while attending the District Commissioners' Conference (DCC) in Guwahati. “Our government will end the VIP culture. We are cutting down on vehicles and barricades related to the Chief Minister's security,” Sarma posted on X.

He added, “From now on, only vegetarian and satvik food will be served in every government programme.”

Stating that the rule will not apply to state guests, Sarma said, “My instruction to all officials is clear-no unnecessary splurge for Govt functions. We have to phase out earlier VIP protocols and align our governance to what people appreciate. Only a simple veg meal is to be served at all official meetings. This rule shall not apply to state guests."

What Assam CM said in DCC

• Focus Areas: District Commissioners (DCs) should prioritize accelerating development in health, education, and Anganwadi Centres due to their significant potential for progress.
• Meetings with Guardian Ministers: DCs are advised to hold regular meetings with Guardian Ministers, ideally on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• Simplicity in Government Functions: Government functions should be kept simple and dignified. Only vegetarian food is to be served during official events or visits by the Chief Minister or Ministers.
• Chief Minister's Visits: During the Chief Minister's district visits, the convoy should be limited to a maximum of 10 vehicles, including those of the DC and SP.
• Visits to Achievers: DCs should make it a point to visit the homes of notable achievers within their districts.

Moreover, during the conference, Sarma emphasized that creating sub-districts is a crucial policy for decentralizing administration. He announced that the sub-district model will be implemented starting October 2, 2024.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that to enhance productivity, create jobs, and drive economic growth, it's important to assess each district's contribution to Assam's GDP. This will allow them to identify and promote each district as a Centre of Growth. To support this, a district GDP report will be published alongside the State GDP report beginning next year.