Assam government to dismiss government employees marrying more than once

The Assam government has taken a strict decision to promote women's empowerment and gender justice. According to a report by Sandesh (Desh), legal action will be taken against state government employees involved in the practice of polygamy, and they will be dismissed from service with immediate effect.

The Assam Cabinet has amended the 'Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964'. Under these new rules, if any employee is found to have more than one living spouse or is found guilty of polygamy, they will be dismissed from service. Furthermore, such individuals will be permanently disqualified from holding any post in any department of the state government in the future.

The impact of this decision is not limited to employment alone. Male employees involved in polygamy will also be ineligible to receive benefits from public welfare or financial assistance schemes provided by the Assam government. It is noteworthy that the announcement of these strict measures was first made during the state budget speech of the current financial year, which has now been given legal form following cabinet approval.

After the cabinet meeting, Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah told reporters that the state government is committed to protecting women's rights, ensuring their dignity, and promoting gender equality. He clarified that this historic decision has been taken with the objective of preventing atrocities against women in society and promoting gender justice.

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been serving as the 15th and current Chief Minister of Assam since 2021. He is a lawyer and politician who has been elected as a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly six times from the Jalukbari constituency since 2001. He was previously a member of the Indian National Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 August 2015, after which he became the convenor of NEDA.