Assam’s 2026-27 state Budget, presented in the Assembly, proposes strict measures related to polygamy. The government plans to make men practising polygamy ineligible to receive benefits under state government welfare schemes. It also proposes changes to disciplinary rules, including amending the Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964, so that government employees found guilty of practising polygamy could be dismissed from service, subject to applicable legal provisions. The Budget additionally states that individuals convicted of offences under any criminal law would be barred from availing benefits under notified state welfare schemes. Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the proposals aim to promote women’s empowerment, gender justice and responsible citizenship. The government also says welfare schemes will resume from August, after an earlier delay linked to the election process. The proposals build on the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, passed by the Assembly, which seeks to prohibit polygamous marriages in most parts of the state and provides penalties including up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine for those found guilty under the law.