Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a significant change in the practice of paying electricity bills for government officials. Starting from July 1, Sarma and the Chief Secretary will begin paying their own electricity bills, setting a precedent aimed at ending the longstanding practice funded by taxpayer money.
Sarma shared on the social media platform X that from July 2024, all public servants in Assam will be responsible for their own electricity bills. He highlighted that the government has traditionally covered these expenses, a practice that dates back 75 years. This announcement was made alongside the unveiling of the Janata Bhawan Solar Project in Guwahati.
This initiative introduces a 2.5-megawatt solar power generation system at the state Secretariat, which Sarma says will reduce the government’s monthly electric expenses—previously around Rs. 30 lakh—and allow for better allocation of resources towards social welfare. The chief minister also encouraged other government offices to transition to solar power, starting with medical colleges and universities.
In a related move, the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) has been directed to ensure that all state government employees pay their electricity bills before their June salaries are released. This directive requires employees to produce a “no dues payable’ certificate against their electricity bills as a condition for receiving their salaries, promoting financial accountability and responsibility among public servants.
