Guwahati, May 25 (IANS) The new government in Assam led by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday decided to abolish with immediate effect all the check gates in the state, which have become the hub of syndicates and illegal activities.
The decision was taken at the first cabinet meeting of the new government, held at the Brahmaputra Guest House in Guwahati.
The Council of Ministers also decided to reduce the number of vehicles in the chief minister's convoy to a bare minimum.
"The meeting also discussed to do away with certain restrictions put in place during the movement of chief minister's cavalcade so that it does not cause any traffic snarls and effect emergency," a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office here said.
The cabinet also decided to do away with interviews for the third and fourth grade government jobs in accordance with the central government's policy, the statement said.
Sonowal, who took oath of office and secrecy along with 10 ministers on Tuesday, also called upon his ministerial colleagues to work wholeheartedly for the welfare of the people who have reposed faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies.
Sonowal urged the ministers to utilise their time for the all-round development of the state. The chief minister asked them to strike a close rapport with the people, and to listen to their woes and redress their grievances.
The BJP and its alliance partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF) won the Assam assembly election, defeating the Congress government which was in power for the last 15 years.
While the BJP on its own secured 60 seats, the AGP and BPF bagged 14 and 12 seats, respectively taking the total strength of the BJP-led alliance to 86 in the 126-member House.
Sonowal has inducted 10 ministers, including two each from AGP and BPF, in his council of ministers. The cabinet is likely to be expanded soon.
