Assam government employees accused of abandoning their first wives for another marriage could face departmental action, along with a proposed salary deduction that may directly support the affected spouse.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a stricter approach towards government employees who allegedly enter into another marriage without legally ending their first marriage.
Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma said the government has received complaints about employees who allegedly abandoned their first wives and entered into second marriages without obtaining a legal divorce.
According to the Chief Minister, such conduct will not be tolerated among government employees. Departmental proceedings may be initiated against employees found violating the applicable rules.
20% Salary Deduction Proposed During Proceedings
A major part of the announcement is the proposed transfer of 20% salary to an abandoned first wife during the departmental proceedings.
Sarma said the amount would be transferred directly to the first wife’s bank account when she approaches the authorities with a complaint and the case meets the stated conditions.
The move is aimed at providing financial support to women who may have been left without adequate assistance after their husbands allegedly entered into another marriage.
The Chief Minister also linked the proposal to an earlier government measure concerning employees who fail to support their parents. Under that approach, a portion of an employee’s salary could be transferred to the parents’ bank accounts.
According to Sarma, that measure helped reduce such complaints. Therefore, the government expects the new 20% Salary provision to act as a deterrent in cases involving alleged polygamy and abandonment.
Government Sends Clear Warning
Sarma had also raised the issue during his Independence Day address on August 15. He said government employees should not enter into another marriage without legally dissolving their existing marriage.
The latest announcement reinforces that warning.
However, the proposed salary transfer would apply in the context of departmental proceedings and complaints by an affected first wife, according to the Chief Minister’s statement. The exact administrative and legal procedure will depend on the applicable service rules and the findings in individual cases.
The government hopes the measure will discourage employees from abandoning their first wives and entering into second marriages without completing the legal process.
The announcement has put renewed focus on the conduct expected from government employees and the government’s approach to complaints involving family responsibilities.
