Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a bold stance against corruption in the state’s public service sector, unveiling alarming revelations about the alleged bribes involved in appointments to the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). During a recent address, he disclosed that investigations have uncovered bribes amounting to as much as ₹1.5 crore linked to these appointments. Sarma recounted a troubling past where appointments were often made in secrecy, bypassing due process and resulting in undisclosed selections. “Naturally, the environment has become corrupt,” he lamented. Drawing from his experience as the former education minister, he shared unsettling accounts from school inspectors who admitted to paying bribes ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹30 lakh to secure their positions.
He highlighted that systemic corruption had become so ingrained that officials felt they had no choice but to accept bribes to recoup their initial investments. “If we cannot collect bribes, how will we pay the interest?” was a common plea that underscored the grim reality of the situation. The Chief Minister noted that what began as unofficial corruption has now turned into a public concern, with numerous cases surfacing daily in the High Court related to school appointments. Sarma condemned the legacy of nepotism in educational institutions, where job opportunities were frequently reserved for the relatives of powerful individuals.
Despite these challenges, Sarma expressed optimism about the reforms implemented over the past five to six years, asserting that the culture of corruption is slowly being dismantled. He pointed to the ongoing ADRE examination as a prime example of the shift toward transparency, allowing students to download OMR sheets and take question papers home. Candidates are also encouraged to report any discrepancies in the answer key, further bolstering the integrity of the examination process.“Our government has a collective vision for proper governance,” Sarma emphasized, calling for collaborative efforts to drive development in Assam. He concluded his address with a rallying cry for the people of Assam to support this transformative journey towards a more transparent and progressive future for the state.
