Assam CM Ends Free Electricity for VIP Residences

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the end of the longstanding practice of paying electricity bills for state cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials using taxpayers’ money. This decision coincided with the inauguration of a 2.5 MW solar power project at the Assam Secretariat, making it India’s first green state government headquarters.

Sarma emphasized that this 75-year-old system would be abolished to prevent the electricity board from increasing charges to cover losses. He admitted to benefiting from free electricity unknowingly and committed to paying his own power bill starting July 1, setting an example for other public servants. All government officials will now be required to pay for their electricity consumption.