Assam Cabinet Clears Bills to Ban Polygamy, Six Schedule Areas Exempted

Guwahati: In the recent cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam government greenlit two landmark initiatives, which include a statewide polygamy prohibition law and a five-year innovation ecosystem blueprint.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking to media persons, said the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, was formally approved to outlaw multiple marriages, with violators facing up to seven years in prison.

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The legislation, set for introduction in the Assam Legislative Assembly on November 25, explicitly exempts tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule across Assam.

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Designed to shield women from emotional, social, and economic distress, the bill mandates legal protections and financial compensation for those impacted by polygamous unions. "This is about dignity and justice for women", CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, reiterating the exemption for constitutionally protected tribal regions.

The cabinet also endorsed the Assam Startup and Innovation Policy 2025–30, backed by a ₹397 crore allocation. The policy outlines a comprehensive support framework to position Assam as a top startup destination in the country.