Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the closure of what he termed a ₹15,000 crore “brokerage shop” — a network of middlemen and influence-peddlers who, according to the CM, thrived on manipulating government contracts and siphoning public funds. The announcement, made during a recent public address in Guwahati, underscores the state government’s renewed commitment to clean governance and people-centric administration.
This crackdown is part of Sarma’s larger drive to eliminate corruption and bring systemic transparency across Assam’s bureaucratic and administrative machinery. The Chief Minister didn’t mince words when he declared that “the days of easy money and political brokerage are over” and that his government would not allow a parallel economy to operate at the cost of public welfare.
The “Brokerage Shop” Phenomenon
The term “brokerage shop,” as used by Sarma, refers to a long-standing ecosystem where political fixers, contractors, and even insiders in the government allegedly manipulated tender processes, obtained contracts through backdoor deals, and skimmed off large sums from development projects. Over the years, this mechanism became deeply entrenched, especially in sectors like public works, education, and rural development.
As per estimates provided by government sources, this corrupt framework had the potential to manipulate contracts worth over ₹15,000 crore — a staggering figure that not only highlights the scale of the issue but also raises serious questions about accountability in governance prior to the current regime.
“We are not just shutting down a business model; we are breaking a mindset,” Sarma said, addressing a crowd in Dhemaji. “This government belongs to the people, not to a handful of brokers who made a career out of exploitation.”
Administrative Reforms in Action
Following Sarma’s announcement, several departments have begun reassessing their contract allocation processes. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to ensure that all government contracts, tenders, and financial grants are processed through transparent, e-governance platforms with zero human interference.
Departments such as Public Works (Roads), Education, Health, and Social Welfare are now under direct scrutiny, and internal audits have been fast-tracked to trace irregularities. The move also coincides with stricter implementation of the e-tendering system and third-party monitoring of infrastructure projects.
The Assam government has already taken disciplinary action against a few officials suspected of collusion with brokers and has launched an anonymous complaint mechanism for whistleblowers. According to sources within the Chief Minister’s Office, further arrests and investigations are likely as the government tightens the noose.
A Promise to the People
Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly stated that his governance model revolves around the principles of accessibility, transparency, and accountability. He emphasized that public funds must directly benefit the common people — whether it’s through timely delivery of welfare schemes, better healthcare, or quality education.
“We are committed to ensuring that every rupee of taxpayer money goes into building Assam’s future,” Sarma said. “Our fight is not just against corruption, but for dignity and justice for every Assamese citizen.”
Sarma also urged youth and entrepreneurs to reject the brokerage culture and build careers based on merit, innovation, and service. “This new Assam will reward talent, not tactics,” he added.
Public Response and Political Implications
The crackdown has been met with a mixed response. While a large section of the public has praised the Chief Minister’s decisiveness, opposition parties have accused the BJP-led government of selective targeting. Leaders from Congress and AIUDF have demanded transparency in the ongoing investigations and called for an independent probe.
Still, for many common citizens, especially those in rural and tribal areas, this marks a hopeful shift. Social media is abuzz with videos of locals thanking the CM for taking a strong stand against corruption.
As Assam forges ahead with its developmental goals, the dismantling of the “brokerage shop” may go down as a defining moment in Himanta Biswa Sarma’s tenure. Whether this move will lead to long-term systemic change remains to be seen — but the message is clear: in this new Assam, people come first.