Guwahati, April 22: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed that his government has successfully dismantled a widespread bribery network in government job recruitments, stating that 1.5 lakh youth have been appointed without paying bribes.

Taking to social media, Sarma wrote, “Rs 15,000 crore brokerage shop closed. Yes, by bringing transparency to 1.5 lakh government jobs, the money that used to go into the pockets of bribe-takers and corrupt politicians was stopped.”

Sarma further emphasized that while candidates had been willing to pay up to Rs 1 lakh to secure government jobs in the past, his government has ensured a fair and corruption-free recruitment process. “If I had taken Rs 1 lakh from each candidate, I could have earned Rs 15,000 crore. People would have paid, but we work for the poor people of Assam. We don’t need money, and we will punish those who take bribes,” he added in an accompanying video.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s commitment to transparent governance and providing jobs to youth without any financial transactions.

In a related development, on April 18, Sarma inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over Rs 100 crore in Karbi Anglong district. These projects include road construction, widening, and bridge upgrades, all aimed at improving connectivity in the region.

Addressing the event near Rengbonghom H S School in Diphu, Sarma said, “Today is an important day for Karbi Anglong. Connectivity projects worth over Rs 100 crore have been dedicated to the people. These projects will lead to significant development in the region.”

He also distributed pre-school kits to Anganwadi Centres, which aim to promote early childhood education through interactive and play-based learning materials.