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Assam's Bold Move: Banning Polygamy to Empower Women Statewide

Assam is taking a significant step toward women's rights by introducing a law to ban polygamy. The government distributed financial assistance to nearly 38,000 women entrepreneurs during the announcement. Thousands of women have achieved financial independence through various state-supported initiatives. These measures reflect the state's commitment to creating a more equitable society for women.

Key Points: Assam CM Announces Polygamy Ban Law and Women Empowerment

  • New legislation banning polygamy to be introduced in Assembly session on November 25
  • 37,833 women receive Rs 10,000 each under entrepreneurship scheme
  • Nearly eight lakh women become lakhpatis through self-help group initiatives
  • 4,000 new families included in Orunodoi monthly financial support scheme
2 min read

Assam CM announces law to ban polygamy, expands women empowerment initiatives

Assam government to introduce polygamy ban legislation while expanding women entrepreneurship schemes, benefiting thousands with financial support and empowerment initiatives.

"We are bringing a law to prohibit polygamy and safeguard women from social injustice. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Nov 11

In a major policy announcement aimed at protecting women's rights, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that the state government will introduce a bill to ban polygamy in the upcoming session of the State Assembly on November 25.

Speaking at a massive public gathering in Raha of Nagaon district, CM Sarma reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring women's safety, dignity, and empowerment.

"We are bringing a law to prohibit polygamy and safeguard women from social injustice. This will further strengthen our mission to build a progressive and equitable Assam," the Chief Minister said.

The announcement came during an event where CM Sarma distributed cheques worth Rs 10,000 each to 37,833 women beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) -- a flagship state scheme aimed at promoting women's entrepreneurship and financial independence.

Of the total beneficiaries, 36,704 were from rural areas and 1,129 from urban regions.

Highlighting the growing success of women-led self-help groups in Assam, the Chief Minister said that nearly eight lakh women have become 'lakhpatis', earning more than Rs 1 lakh annually through various income-generating activities.

"Women are the foundation of a self-reliant Assam," CM Sarma said, citing examples of local entrepreneurs from Raha, who have transformed their livelihoods through weaving, livestock farming, and handicrafts.

He added that the MMUA scheme provides seed capital of Rs 10,000 to each beneficiary, which can be scaled up to Rs 25,000 and ₹50,000 in subsequent phases based on performance.

Chef Minister Sarma also announced that 4,000 new families in Raha will be included under the Orunodoi Scheme, which provides monthly financial support to women for household expenses.

Calling Orunodoi a "symbol of dignity and respect for women", the Chief Minister said that no previous government had launched as many initiatives dedicated to women's welfare.

Later on Tuesday, the Chief Minister inaugurated a Rs 84.6-crore railway overbridge connecting Raha to Chaparmukh Junction and West Karbi Anglong district.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While I support women empowerment, the government should ensure this doesn't interfere with personal laws of all communities. There should be wider consultation before implementing such sensitive legislation.
A
Ananya R
As a woman entrepreneur from Assam, I'm thrilled to see these initiatives! The MMUA scheme has helped many women in my village start small businesses. Financial independence is true empowerment 💪
M
Michael C
Interesting development. In Western countries, polygamy is already illegal. Good to see Assam taking progressive steps. The focus on women's economic empowerment alongside legal reforms is smart policy making.
S
Siddharth J
The infrastructure development with the railway overbridge is equally important. Women empowerment needs both social reforms and basic infrastructure to thrive. Good balanced approach by the government.
K
Kavya N
8 lakh women becoming lakhpatis! This is incredible progress. My aunt in Assam started a weaving business through SHG and now supports her entire family. These schemes are changing lives ♀️
V
Vikram M
While the intentions seem good, I hope the implementation is effective. Often such announcements remain on paper. The government must ensure proper monitoring and support systems for these women empowerment schemes.

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