Guwahati, Oct 28: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced that the state government will table a new bill against polygamy in the upcoming winter session of the Assembly, proposing a minimum punishment of seven years in jail.

The bill is scheduled to be introduced on November 25, the first day of the session. Addressing an event under the second phase of the ‘Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina’ scheme, Sarma said the law would apply irrespective of religion.

“If a person marries another woman without legally divorcing his wife, he will face seven years or more imprisonment. The accused may claim that his religion allows it, but our government will not permit polygamy,” Sarma said.He asserted that the government is committed to protecting the dignity of women in Assam.

Launching the second phase of the ‘Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina’ scheme, aimed at promoting girls’ education, the Chief Minister said the initiative provides monthly financial aid to female students—Rs 1,000 for Class 11 students, Rs 1,250 for first-year undergraduates, and Rs 2,500 for postgraduate and BEd students for 10 months.

Sarma added that the scheme has significantly increased enrolment and reduced dropout rates among girls, benefiting around 3.5 lakh students this year.

He further said the upcoming Assembly session will also see the introduction of other bills addressing issues such as “love jihad” and polygamy.