Assam cabinet makes polygamy a ground for dismissal of government employees

Guwahati – The Assam cabinet approved an amendment to the Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964, that makes the practice of polygamy a ground for absolute dismissal from state service, The Sentinel Assam reported on 4 November 2026.

Polygamy amendment and its application

The amendment inserts Clause 6 of Rule 7, stating that any state government employee found guilty of entering into a subsequent marriage while a spouse is alive will be terminated and permanently disqualified from securing future government jobs. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters that the penalty will apply uniformly across all religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians, and that termination will follow a finding of guilt through standard departmental disciplinary proceedings. He linked the decision to the broader implementation of the state’s Uniform Civil Code framework and noted that earlier such employees were only suspended, whereas the new rule imposes a stricter sanction.

Cabinet orders probe into July 2026 flash floods

In the same meeting, the cabinet recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the flash floods that struck Sivasagar and Charaideo districts in July 2026. The floods were reported to have claimed over 100 lives. According to the cabinet, the government will formally write to the agency within ten days to seek an investigation that determines the exact cause of the disaster.

Other administrative approvals

The cabinet also cleared a Ropeway Development Agreement with National Highways Logistics Management Limited for five strategic urban routes. The agreement includes a one-point-four-three kilometre cable line to Kamakhya Temple and an eleven kilometre line from Khanapara to Guwahati Railway Station.

In defence and industry, the cabinet allocated approximately 6,000 bighas of land in Nellie to establish the state’s first dedicated Defence Manufacturing Park, aiming to attract large-scale industrial investment.

On the welfare front, the government raised the upper age limit to 45 years for ex-servicemen applying to Grade 3 and Grade 4 posts. It also increased financial support for farmers by raising the paddy Minimum Support Price to 2,640 rupees per quintal, adding an additional 200 rupee bonus.