Assam polygamy rule: Govt employees face dismissal, job ban

A second marriage could now cost an Assam government employee their job, and their eligibility for future government service. In a series of decisions with implications for public employment, infrastructure and agriculture, the Assam Cabinet has approved a tougher penalty for employees found practising polygamy, while setting in motion a proposed CBI investigation into this year's devastating floods.

The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, November 3. The polygamy provision is among the most consequential, as it upgrades the punishment under the state's service rules from suspension to dismissal.

Assam polygamy rule: Government employees face dismissal and future job ban

The Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964, inserting a provision that allows government employees found guilty of entering into a polygamous marriage to be dismissed from service and barred from future government employment.

Sarma reportedly said the decision followed the implementation of the state's Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Chief Minister said the provision would apply irrespective of religion. The government had earlier provided for disciplinary action against employees entering into another marriage while their spouse was alive without prior permission.

The amendment makes the consequences significantly stricter. It is important, however, that dismissal would follow a finding of guilt through the applicable disciplinary process, rather than follow automatically from an allegation.

Assam floods: Cabinet recommends CBI probe into Sivasagar and Charaideo

The Cabinet has also recommended a CBI investigation into the severe floods that hit Sivasagar and Charaideo districts in July 2026. The deluge, which began around July 19, caused widespread damage and claimed more than 100 lives.

Sarma said the state would send a formal request to the CBI within 10 days. The decision to take up the investigation, however, rests with the Centre and the agency. The proposed probe is intended to establish the causes behind the disaster.

Assam approves five ropeway projects, including Kamakhya Temple link

The Cabinet cleared a Ropeway Development Agreement between the Assam government and National Highways Logistics Management Limited to develop five proposed routes. These include a 1.43-km connection between Kamakhya Railway Station and Kamakhya Temple, and an 11-km route linking Khanapara with Guwahati Railway Station.

Other proposed links include Ganganagar to Bhuvan Pahar Mahadev Temple, Jatinga Bird Watching Tower to Hempeupet Peak, and Agnigarh to Bhairabi Temple. The Times of India reported that the projects will be developed through a joint venture, with the Centre holding 51% equity and Assam 49%.

Assam raises paddy support to ₹2,640 per quintal

Farmers will receive an additional ₹200 per quintal, taking the total procurement support to ₹2,640, the Cabinet announced. The government also approved relaxation of the upper age limit for ex-servicemen applying for Grade III and Grade IV state jobs, allowing them to claim eligibility up to 45 years.

Other decisions include approval of 154 land proposals across 13 districts and the de-reservation of 987 bighas of village grazing reserve land in Dhekiajuli for landless Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families. An equal area of government land will be earmarked as grazing reserve in its place.

The Cabinet also approved around 6,000 bighas of land at Nellie for Assam's first defence park. Taken together, the decisions span public-sector discipline, disaster accountability, transport infrastructure and employment — a wide-ranging agenda for the state government.

(With inputs from ANI)