Assam government cracks down on polygamy among employees
The Assam government has announced that employees found practicing polygamy will be dismissed from service and denied benefits under government schemes. The proposals were included in the state budget for 2026-27, presented in the state Assembly on Friday by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog.
Budget proposals target polygamy
According to the budget speech, the government will amend service rules to make polygamy a ground for dismissal. Additionally, families of polygamous employees will be excluded from welfare schemes such as housing, education, and healthcare benefits. The move is part of the state's efforts to promote social reform and gender equality.
"Polygamy is a social evil that affects the rights of women and children. The government is committed to eradicating it," Neog said in her budget address. She added that the measures would apply to all state government employees, including those in public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies.
Implementation and impact
The new rules will come into effect after the budget is passed by the Assembly. The government estimates that around 0.5% of state employees are currently in polygamous marriages. The move is expected to affect several hundred employees and their families.
Opposition parties criticized the announcement, calling it a populist measure. Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha said, "The government is targeting personal lives instead of focusing on development and employment." However, the ruling BJP defended the decision, stating it aligns with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that the party advocates nationwide.
Reactions from civil society
Women's rights groups welcomed the move. "This is a progressive step that will discourage polygamy and protect women's rights," said Moushumi Dutta, a Guwahati-based activist. Muslim organizations expressed concerns, arguing that polygamy is permitted under Islamic law. The Assam State Minorities Commission said it would examine the proposal's constitutional validity.
The budget also allocated ₹500 crore for a new scheme to provide financial assistance to divorced women and widows. Neog said the scheme aims to support vulnerable women and reduce dependence on family or community.
