Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a proposed measure to protect women who are abandoned by their husbands without a legal divorce.

Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Khanapara in Guwahati, Sarma said the state government is considering a provision under which 20% of a government employee’s salary could be deducted and deposited directly into the bank account of his first wife if he abandons her without legally ending the marriage and enters into an informal marriage with another woman.

The Chief Minister said the proposed measure is aimed at providing financial protection to women who are left without support despite their marriage remaining legally valid.

Sarma also said the government is considering a similar mechanism for women abandoned by employees working in the private sector.

The proposal is part of the Assam government’s broader efforts to strengthen the financial and legal protection available to women facing abandonment within marriage.