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Guwahati, Assam: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday the enforcement of a stringent directive aimed at curbing polygamy among government employees in Assam. The directive mandates that state government employees will require official permission to enter into a second marriage while their spouse is still alive, regardless of religious allowances.
Background:
This move is part of the Assam government's broader initiative to eradicate polygamy and address associated social issues. According to the Chief Minister, the directive is rooted in existing rules that have been overlooked in the past but will now be strictly enforced.
Statement from the Chief Minister:
Himanta Biswa Sarma elucidated, “As an Assam government employee, from the point of our service rule, he is not entitled to enter into a second marriage. However, if some religion allows you to do so, even then, as per the rule, you have to get permission from the state government.”
Official Order:
The Assam's Additional Chief Secretary’s office released an order reiterating the provisions of Rule 26 of the Assam Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1965, highlighting the requirement for government permission prior to entering into a polygamous marriage.
Efforts to Ban Polygamy:
In September, the Chief Minister discussed plans to introduce a bill banning polygamy in the state assembly. Following public consultations, the overwhelming majority supported the government's stance. A panel, chaired by Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia, has been established to draft legislation on this issue and address related concerns such as false identity in inter-religious marriages and the role of Kazis in child marriages.
Crackdown on Child Marriages:
Simultaneously, Assam police have intensified their efforts to combat child marriages, resulting in the arrest of over 3,900 individuals since October 3rd.
Political Reactions:
The initiative has sparked political debates, with Congress criticizing the government’s approach, particularly the retroactive arrests related to past child marriages. Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed expressed, “We do not support the government’s modus operandi... The drive should be against people who married recently."
