Former CMs starting from Himanta Biswa onwards will no more be provided house or security cover

Jan. 1: The Assam Cabinet on Saturday has taken a significant decision as regards the former Chief Ministers of the state. During the Chief Ministership of Tarun Gogoi, a decision was taken that all former Chief Ministers of Assam will be provided with a residence and also the security cover provided during his tenure will continue to be there. However, on Saturday, the Cabinet declared this decision as null and void.

Informing about this, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “From now onwards (prospectively), that means from my tenure, no former Chief Minister will get government house or security cover. But if there is any perceived threat, than he/she may get security cover, but that will be decided by the security review committee. However, no security cover will be provided only because of holding office.”

LIVE from a special interactive session with Assam’s esteemed journalists at No. 1 State Guest House, Koinadhora, Guwahati #FBLiveHBS https://t.co/o6GnHljnw1

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 1, 2022

In a lighter vein, CM Sarma said that “Prafulla Kumar Mahanta need not worry as this decision will be prospective and will be implemented from me onwards. From me, former Chief Ministers will not get the privilege of getting a government house or security cover.” He also added that, “This new decision will exclude Sarbananda Sonowal but from me it will apply prospectively.

Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma further stated that from now onwards the vehicles in the convoy of the Chief Minister will also be substantially reduced. Till now, there were 22 vehicles in the convoy of the Chief minister, which will now be reduced to 7 to 8.