By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: In its first meeting after the swearing-in of the new government, the Assam Cabinet led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced a series of administrative and cost-cutting decisions, along with the schedule for the upcoming Assembly session.
Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sarma said the allocation of portfolios to ministers is yet to be finalised, adding that the expansion of the cabinet will take place after the upcoming session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister informed that the Assembly will sit on May 21, 22, 25 and 26. During the session, newly elected MLAs will take oath, followed by the Governor’s customary address to the House.
Sarma also said the state government has requested the Governor to appoint Chandra Mohan Patowary as the pro-tem Speaker for the session.
The Cabinet approved a set of austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenditure over the next six months. These include downsizing the convoys of all ministers, including those of the Chief Minister and the Governor.
The government also decided to restrict the import of foreign-made items for official use during the same period.
In another decision, the Cabinet ruled that no physical seminars or workshops will be held by government departments for the next six months. However, meetings and conferences through video conferencing will continue to be allowed.