Assam Budget 2026-27: Proposed Welfare and Employment Restrictions on Polygamy

In a significant policy move, the Assam government’s 2026–27 budget has proposed stringent measures against the practice of polygamy. The state administration intends to bar individuals who engage in polygamy from accessing various state-sponsored welfare schemes. Furthermore, the proposal includes provisions for the potential dismissal of government employees found to be practicing polygamy. This initiative is framed by the state government as a crucial step toward ensuring gender justice and promoting social equality within the region. The move reflects a growing trend of state-led interventions aimed at reforming personal law practices through administrative and fiscal levers. By linking access to public resources and government employment to adherence to monogamy, the state is utilizing its power of the purse to influence social behavior. Proponents argue that such measures protect the rights of women and children by discouraging practices that can lead to economic instability and social vulnerability. However, the policy also raises complex questions regarding the intersection of state policy, personal liberty, and the constitutional protection of religious practices.