Assam CM pushes for decentralisation of power, with new Secretariat and Cabinet in upper Assam

The Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has pushed for decentralisation of power with Cabinet meetings being held across the state. The Assam Cabinet held its 18th outstation meet in the historic town of Lakhimpur today. Several decisions to boost the district’s heritage and developmental trajectory were taken in the meeting.

The Cabinet has approved 57 out of 67 recommendations from the Justice (retd) Biplab Sarma Commission, which is a historic milestone for Assam. This stands as one of the most significant efforts since Independence to protect the rights of the people of Assam.

Further, the new Chief Minister’s office will be established in Dibrugarh, which will operate at least four days a month. It will be dedicated to serving the North and Upper Assam regions. Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan has called it a step for the decentralisation of power. Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan stated, “On September 6, 2024, the CM secretariat will be inaugurated in Dibrugarh. Its main aim is decentralised power and the people of upper Assam can easily sort out their problems here without going to Dispur. I would like to thank chief minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma for establishing the CM secretariat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative for such development has been happening.

“It is a piece of very good news for the people of upper Assam because the CM secretariat is going to be inaugurated in Dibrugarh soon. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma will inaugurate the CM secretariat on September 6. The CM secretariat will immensely help the people of upper Assam. The people of upper Assam have to travel 500-550 km to reach Dispur for their work but now without any hassle, their work will be done here. After its establishment, the people of Dibrugarh could easily meet the chief minister to address their grievances. The people of North Bank can easily benefit after its establishment,” said Anil Poddar, a local resident.

Moreover, in a significant move to enhance the welfare of state government employees, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a new insurance scheme that promises substantial financial support for employees and their families in the event of accidents or untimely deaths. The Assam cabinet, during its latest meeting, approved an agreement with all banks to ensure the timely deposit of insurance premiums directly into employees’ salary accounts.