Assam Moves Closer to Women’s Empowerment as Expert Committee Submits Report to End Polygamy
(PTI): In a significant stride towards women’s empowerment, an expert committee formed by the Assam government has submitted its report to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, examining the state legislature’s competence to enact a law to end polygamy. The report was handed over to the Chief Minister on Sunday, paving the way for positive changes regardless of caste, creed or religion.
The four-member expert committee, headed by Justice (Retd) Rumi Kumari Phukan, was formed on May 12, and included the state’s Advocate General Devajit Saikia, Senior Additional Advocate General Nalin Kohli, and senior Advocate Nekibur Zaman. Tasked with scrutinizing the provisions of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937, along with Article 25 of the Constitution in relation to the Directive Principles of State Policy for a Uniform Civil Code, the committee worked diligently to fulfill its mandate.
The contents and recommendations of the report have not been disclosed to the public yet, but Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his commitment to support the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and his government’s intention to ban polygamy immediately in the state. While the UCC remains a matter for Parliament to decide, Assam is taking proactive steps to create a conducive environment for women’s empowerment.
“We want to take one of its segments, polygamy and ban it immediately. We are planning to introduce the Bill in the next Assembly session in September, and if we are unable to do it for some reason, we will do it in the January session,” Sarma declared.
The move, however, has garnered mixed reactions. While many laud the state’s proactive stance on women’s rights and the pursuit of a Uniform Civil Code, some opposition parties criticize it as diversionary and communal. The timing of the decision coincides with ongoing discussions at the Law Commission regarding the Uniform Civil Code.
Assam’s determination to address the issue of polygamy sends a strong message about its commitment to gender equality and women’s rights. By taking significant steps towards ending the practice, the state is setting an example for others to follow.
As the state awaits further developments on the implementation of the expert committee’s recommendations, all eyes are on the forthcoming Assembly sessions in September and January. Assam’s resolute efforts to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for women continue to be closely observed by citizens and stakeholders alike.
