GUWAHATI: The Assam government has proposed to bar men practising polygamy from availing benefits under government welfare schemes as part of its efforts to promote women's empowerment and gender justice.
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Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced the proposal while presenting the state Budget in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday, July 10.
According to the proposal, any male found practising polygamy will be ineligible to receive benefits under any government welfare scheme.
The government has also proposed to amend the Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964 to introduce disciplinary action against government employees found to have practised polygamy.
If the amendment is approved, any government servant found to have practised polygamy will be liable for dismissal from service in accordance with the law.
The Budget stated that the measures are aimed at furthering the government's commitment to women's empowerment, gender justice and responsible family values.