Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the decision by the Assam Legislative Assembly to eliminate the “Jumma break,” which was a two-hour break that was first instituted in 1937 by Syed Saadulla of the Muslim League. The decision received praise by CM Sarma, who said it “shed another vestige of colonial baggage” and “prioritised productivity.”
The legislature approved the “Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024” the day before, which is when the decision was made. The measure requires Muslims in Assam to register their unions and dissolutions with the state. CM Sarma promised that despite requiring mandatory registration, the bill would uphold Islamic customs and personal rules for Muslims.
Sarma hailed the bill’s passing as a “historic day,” highlighting the government’s resolve to address societal ills like child marriage.”This Bill is above party politics and is a means to give our girls a life of dignity. Next, banning polygamy!” the CM exclaimed, highlighting the wider reform program of his administration.
Aminul Islam, the leader of the AIUDF, opposed the bill, stating that although the party is against child marriage, the government should have changed the current legislation rather than doing away with the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act and Rules of 1935.