1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma orders prepaid meter installation in govt quarters.
2. The aim is to prevent ministers, officers, and employees from benefiting from subsidized power.
3. Concerns arise over nominal deductions from salaries for monthly power bills.
Guwahati, Feb 11:Â Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the installation of prepaid meters in government quarters and residences in the ministerial colony to address concerns regarding nominal deductions from the salaries of ministers and senior officers for monthly power bills.
Sarma’s decision aims to ensure that ministers, officers, and government employees do not benefit from subsidized power.
The move comes after Sarma learned about the nominal monthly power bill deductions during recent interactions with officials from the Power Department.
In a post on social media platform X, Sarma emphasized the need for individual prepaid meters in every government quarter, including those in the ministerial colony.
This measure is intended to prevent any misuse of subsidized power by government officials.
During my recent interactions with officials from the Power Department, I was informed for the first time that a very nominal monthly power bill is deducted from the salaries of ministers and senior officers. Immediately, I instructed the department to install individual prepaid…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 11, 2024
Also Read: Assam Congress prepares tentative list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls: Sources
The Assam government had previously decided to expedite the installation of smart prepaid meters, with the decision formalized during a state cabinet meeting held on January 12.
Sarma’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in power consumption among government officials and employees.
