'Our government will end VIP culture; Only veg food at govt programme': Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 29 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that his government will end VIP culture and, from now on, only vegetarian and satvik food will be served at every government programme.
Addressing the 2-day District Commissioners' Conference in Guwahati, Biswa said, "Our government will end VIP culture... We are cutting down on vehicles and barricades related to the Chief Minister's security. From now on, only vegetarian and satvik food will be served at every government programme."
Taking to X, he instructed the District Commissioners that there will be no unnecessary splurge for government functions.
He further stated that the state government will phase out existing VIP protocols and align with what people appreciate, and only simple vegetarian meals will be served at all official meetings. However, he said this rule would not apply to state guests.
"My instruction to all officials is clear--no unnecessary splurge for government functions... We have to phase out earlier VIP protocols and align our governance with what people appreciate. Only simple vegetarian meals are to be served at all official meetings. This rule shall not apply to state guests," he said.
In the meeting, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that foundation stones for the permanent offices of the sub-districts will be laid on October 2, and they will also start functioning on the same day.
He also said that they will determine the districts contributing to Assam's GDP as centres of growth and will publish a district GDP report along with a state report.
"To boost productivity, generate employment, and drive growth, we need to determine each district's contribution to Assam's GDP so they can act as centres of growth. We'll publish a district GDP report from next year alongside a state GDP report," he said.
He also said that they have to ensure that the panchayat elections are completed by December 31 and the new office bearers take oath by then.
He also instructed the District Commissioners to distribute flood rehabilitation grants by August 12. (ANI)