Assam Government Enforces Austerity Measures Amid Military Tensions, Focuses on Armed Forces Support
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Highlights State's Commitment to National Solidarity and Discipline
Guwahati, May 10 – In a significant move reflecting solidarity with the Indian armed forces, the Assam government has implemented a series of austerity measures while initiating support frameworks for the families of soldiers from the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decisions during a press conference marking four years of his government, following a cabinet meeting.
Support to Armed Forces Families
The Chief Minister stated that all district officials will, over the next seven days, identify families of serving armed forces personnel and establish dedicated support groups to assist them in every possible way.
"We want to take care of the family members of the soldiers till they come back from the battlefield so that the person at the war front is not worried about their families," said Sarma.
He emphasized that the presence of army and air force camps across Assam and other northeastern states requires seamless logistical facilitation, for which district commissioners have been instructed to maintain close coordination with military officials.
Austerity Measures Across the State
Despite the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan that took effect at 5 pm on Saturday, the Assam cabinet has decided to press forward with stringent austerity directives:
- Ban on Events: No seminars, workshops, conferences, commemorative events, or cultural programs will be held.
- Travel Restrictions: Ministers and state officials are barred from foreign and non-essential domestic travel. Government officers are to remain at their posts unless otherwise authorized.
- Resource Management: Hospitals will maintain a registry of voluntary blood donors, especially those with rare blood groups, and review fuel and medicine stocks to ensure emergency readiness.
- Expenditure Control: Procurement of vehicles, furniture, and office infrastructure has been restricted, except for police requirements. Working lunches, official dinners, and entertainment expenses are to be suspended.
- Public Engagements: Large gatherings and physical meetings will be minimized or shifted to virtual platforms. Publicity and advertising expenses will be strictly regulated.
- Employee Recall: Government employees on leave (excluding maternity or medical leave) may be recalled within 24 hours if deemed necessary.
Call for Communal Unity and Discipline
CM Sarma urged citizens to uphold communal harmony and avoid any rhetoric that could demoralize the armed forces.
"There is unity among the members of the armed forces, and the same should extend to the society at large. Pakistan is trying to divide us. We should not allow them to be successful," he said.
He reiterated that this is a time for national unity beyond religious, ethnic, or regional lines and called for collective support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces.
Poll Conduct Measures
In a related directive, the Assam government has prohibited victory processions following the announcement of panchayat poll results on Sunday, as a precautionary measure to maintain public order.