Assam CM Proposes 20% Salary Deduction for Employees Who Abandon First Wife

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday outlined a broad development vision for a peaceful, self-reliant, and economically stronger Assam, with a focus on infrastructure, investment, industrial growth, social reforms, and opportunities for the state’s youth. Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Khanapara in Guwahati, he said that Assam was increasingly developing its own model of growth rather than simply following the development path of other states. He said peace, improved connectivity, technology, industry, and economic reforms were creating the foundation for a more prosperous Assam. “If a government employee abandons his first wife without legally divorcing her and enters into an informal marriage with another woman, 20% of his salary will be deducted and deposited directly into the first wife’s account, upon her application to the government, so that she can live with dignity. We are also proposing legislation to extend this protection to employees in the private sector,” the Chief Minister said. “I pledge to the state’s sisters and mothers that our government won’t rest till social evils like child marriages and polygamy are rooted out,” he said He highlighted the state’s economic expansion, claiming that Assam’s economy had nearly tripled in less than a decade. According to him, the stronger economic base was enabling the government to undertake large infrastructure and development projects. He cited the emergence of advanced industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, as an indication of Assam’s changing economic landscape. He also highlighted the Baihata Chariali–Tezpur four-lane highway, which he said would improve connectivity within Assam and strengthen links with neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. He also said the government was working on several new initiatives, including an increase in MLA Area Development funds and plans for a satellite city near Guwahati airport. The Assam Police’s emergency 112 service is also being modernised with round-the-clock vehicle availability, he said. On women’s welfare and social reform, Sarma announced a proposed mechanism under which 20 per cent of the salary of a government employee who abandons his first wife without legally divorcing her and enters into an informal marriage with another woman would be deducted and transferred to the first wife’s bank account upon her application. He said the government was also considering legislation to extend similar protection to women abandoned by employees in the private sector. He reiterated his government’s campaign against child marriage , saying the practice deprives children of education, opportunities, and a normal childhood. Highlighting Assam’s cultural heritage, he recalled the contribution of Swargadeo Chao Lung Sukapha and said the state would mark 800 years of his arrival in the Brahmaputra Valley in 2028. Furthermore, Assam’s sporting talent was also praised, citing Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and badminton player Asmita Chaliha as examples of athletes capable of competing at the highest level when provided with adequate opportunities. He said his vision for Assam extended beyond physical infrastructure, stressing dignity for citizens, economic empowerment for women, opportunities for young people, connectivity for villages, and greater hope for families across the state. Also Read: Himanta Urges Non Native Settlers to List Assamese as Mother Tongue in Census