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New Delhi: Taking a significant step towards ending VIP culture in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that starting from July 2024, all ministers and public servants in the state, including himself, will no longer receive free electricity. Sarma made the announcement via social media platform X, emphasizing accountability and setting an example by volunteering to pay his own electricity bills from July 1.
"We are ending the #VIPCulture rule of paying electricity bills of Government officials using taxpayer money. Myself and the Chief Secretary will set an example and start paying our power bills from July 1 onwards," Sarma stated in his post.
In addition to discontinuing free electricity, Sarma unveiled measures to enforce energy conservation across government offices. Effective July 1, except for essential departments like the CM Secretariat, Home, and Finance, electricity will automatically be disconnected at all other government offices at 8 pm. This measure has already been implemented in 8,000 government establishments and educational institutions statewide.
"We aim to transition all government facilities to solar power gradually, beginning with our Medical Colleges and Universities," Sarma explained during a ceremony at the state Secretariat complex where he launched the Janata Bhawan Solar Project. This initiative marks a significant stride towards promoting renewable energy in Assam.
The initiative aims not only to promote fiscal responsibility but also to help the electricity board reduce losses. Sarma underscored that this decision applies to all public servants, government officials, employees, and ministers. Scrapping electricity bills for political leaders and officers is expected to bring several benefits:
Financial Accountability: By requiring political leaders and officers to pay their own electricity bills, the government fosters financial responsibility and transparency. This measure ensures that public funds are used judiciously and not for subsidizing personal expenses of officials.
Reduction of Government Expenditure: Eliminating the provision of free electricity reduces the burden on government finances. This saved expenditure can be redirected towards public welfare initiatives, infrastructure development, or other essential services that benefit citizens at large.
Efficient Resource Management: When individuals are accountable for their electricity usage, they are likely to become more conscious of energy conservation. This can lead to reduced overall consumption and lower electricity bills, contributing to energy efficiency goals.
Equity and Fairness: Providing free electricity to political leaders and officers can be seen as a privilege or a form of VIP culture, which may not align with principles of equality and fairness. Scrapping this benefit promotes equity by treating all citizens equally in terms of utility expenses.
Promotion of Renewable Energy: Initiatives like the Janata Bhawan Solar Project, which aims to transition government facilities to solar power, are facilitated by cost savings from ending free electricity. This supports environmental sustainability goals and reduces dependence on conventional energy sources.
The Janata Bhawan Solar Project features a 2.5 MW capacity grid-connected solar PV system installed on rooftops and ground surfaces. It is expected to generate an average of 3 lakh units of electricity per month, with a total investment of ₹12.56 crore projected to be recovered within four years.
Upon completion, the Assam Secretariat complex will become India's first civil secretariat entirely powered by solar energy.
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