The cabinet approved the proposal on Tuesday, November 3, making dismissal the proposed punishment for government personnel found entering into multiple marriages in violation of the applicable rules. The decision marks a significant tightening of the state’s disciplinary approach, as employees involved in such cases were previously subjected to suspension rather than termination.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Sarma said the government had decided to introduce more stringent consequences for employees found violating the rules concerning polygamy. He clarified that dismissal would not be the only consequence, as those removed from service would also be considered ineligible for future government employment.

According to the chief minister, the decision was taken in the context of the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state. He indicated that the government wanted to move beyond the earlier system of suspension and introduce stronger disciplinary measures to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.

Uniform Civil Code to Apply Across Religions

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the provisions concerning polygamy under Assam’s Uniform Civil Code would apply to people belonging to all religious communities covered by the legislation.

However, the state’s UCC legislation provides an exemption for Scheduled Tribes (STs). According to the 2011 Census, Scheduled Tribes account for approximately 12.45 per cent of Assam’s population.

The implementation of the UCC has been among the major legal and political developments in Assam. The state Assembly passed the legislation in May 2026, and President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent to the Bill in September 2026.

The new framework seeks to establish common legal provisions in areas covered by the legislation, including marriage-related regulations. The government’s latest cabinet decision indicates that it intends to enforce the provisions more strictly within its own administrative workforce.

The decision also highlights the state government’s intention to make compliance with applicable marriage laws an important part of the conduct expected from public servants.

Stricter Action Compared With Earlier Suspension Policy

The latest decision represents a tougher approach towards government employees accused of violating the rules against polygamy.

Under the earlier disciplinary arrangement, employees found involved in such cases could face suspension. However, the state cabinet has now approved a proposal to replace that punishment with dismissal from government service.

The additional restriction on future government employment could have long-term professional consequences for employees found guilty under the proposed disciplinary framework.

The move is also expected to bring greater attention to service regulations governing the personal conduct of government personnel. Public servants are generally required to follow applicable service rules, and the Assam government has indicated that violations relating to multiple marriages will attract serious administrative consequences.

The announcement comes as the state moves forward with implementing its UCC legislation. Further details concerning the formal notification, disciplinary procedures and implementation of the dismissal provision will be important in determining how the policy is enforced.

Cabinet Approves CBI Investigation into Assam Floods

Apart from the decision concerning government employees and polygamy, the Assam cabinet also approved a proposal to hand over the investigation into this year’s devastating floods in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The floods, which occurred in July 2026, caused extensive destruction across the affected areas and reportedly claimed more than 100 lives. The disaster raised concerns about the factors responsible for the unprecedented flooding, with both natural and human-related causes believed to have contributed to the situation.

Chief Minister Sarma said the cabinet had approved the proposal and that the state government would formally write to the CBI within the next 10 days, requesting the agency to investigate the disaster.

The proposed investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the flooding, including the possible role of human activities alongside natural factors. The decision to seek a central agency’s investigation comes amid the scale of the destruction and the need to examine the reasons behind the disaster.

The government has not indicated the precise scope of the proposed investigation, but the chief minister confirmed that the formal communication would be sent to the CBI within the specified period.

Assam Plans Defence Manufacturing Park at Nellie

The cabinet meeting also covered the state’s plans to attract investment and expand industrial development. Chief Minister Sarma announced that the government would establish a defence manufacturing park at Nellie, located approximately 68 kilometres from Guwahati.

The proposed industrial project will cover around 6,000 bighas of land, equivalent to nearly 2,000 acres. The government expects the facility to create opportunities for defence-related manufacturing and encourage investment in the sector.

Sarma explained that Assam had managed to attract investments in several industries, including semiconductors and fertiliser manufacturing. However, the absence of sufficient land for a dedicated defence manufacturing facility had prevented the state from attracting similar investments in the defence sector.

The proposed park is intended to address this limitation by making a large land area available for defence manufacturing activities.

The chief minister expressed hope that the initiative would attract investors and strengthen Assam’s industrial development. The project could also contribute to employment generation, infrastructure development and the expansion of manufacturing activities in the region, depending on investment and implementation.

Multiple Decisions Highlight Assam Government’s Policy Priorities

The cabinet meeting resulted in decisions covering administrative discipline, disaster investigation and industrial development.

The proposed dismissal of government employees involved in polygamy represents a stricter enforcement approach following the introduction of the state’s Uniform Civil Code. Meanwhile, the decision to approach the CBI over the July floods signals the government’s intention to seek an independent investigation into a major disaster that caused significant loss of life.

The proposed defence manufacturing park at Nellie reflects Assam’s broader effort to attract investment beyond the sectors in which it has already secured industrial projects.

Together, these announcements highlight the state government’s focus on administrative regulation, accountability and economic expansion. The implementation of the new disciplinary rules, the progress of the proposed CBI investigation and the development of the defence manufacturing park will remain important issues in Assam’s policy agenda.