Hitesh Dev Sarma, who was appointed on November 9 as the replacement for Prateek Hajela, assumes charge as state NRC coordinator on Tuesday.

Sarma had gone on leave a week after his appointment. His appointment drew criticism from different sections of society.

This was followed by Assam Civil Service officer Babulal Sarma was on November 30 appointed as the NRC State Coordinator (in-charge) in place of Prateek Hajela, who ensured the publication of the final version of the National Register of Citizens on August 31 under supervision of the Supreme Court.

It may be mentioned here that HD Sarma's social media posts have gone viral across all political spectrums and bureaucracy; questions were raised about his impartiality in the NRC process.

Meanwhile, Sarma reportedly took leave on one-month from November 15 to December 15, and the NRC had been left without a guardian.