“I Worked to Transform Women’s Lives and End Child Marriage,” Says CM Sarma in Silchar

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday (October 24) began his two-day visit to Barak Valley, covering Cachar and Sribhumi districts, with a series of major announcements aimed at women empowerment and infrastructure development.

The Chief Minister attended two ceremonial cheque distribution programmes under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA). The first was held at Ram Krishna Nagar in Sribhumi district at 11 AM, and the second at the Police Parade Ground in Silchar at 1 PM. Around 18,000 women beneficiaries received cheques under the flagship project.

Welcomed by Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty at the event, Sarma addressed a large gathering and reiterated his government’s commitment towards women’s welfare. “Arunodoy is a good scheme, but many women from Silchar have not received it yet. So today, I am announcing 3,000 new Arunodoy beneficiaries for Silchar, to be distributed through Dipayan (Silchar MLA, Dipayan Chakraborty) ,” he said.

Highlighting several ongoing women-oriented initiatives, he mentioned Nijut Moina, Mahila Udyamita, Arunodoy, free bicycles for Class 9 girls, scooties for meritorious girl students, government job schemes, and 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayats. “I have worked for the transformation of women’s lives and stood firmly against child marriage,” Sarma stated.

He also said that the government would soon introduce a law prohibiting polygamy in Assam. “A man cannot have three wives; he must have only one,” the Chief Minister declared, warning that those violating the law would face jail. He further noted that to avail the benefits of the Mahila Udyamita scheme, families must not have more than three children.

In a remark on family planning, he said, “If one more child comes, people say Allah gave it. Did Allah come to your home to give the child? Kids come from parents. Allah or Bhagwan blesses us, but the child is a result of the parents’ conduct.”

Later in the day, the Chief Minister visited Silchar Medical College and Hospital, where he laid the foundation stone for the proposed 208-bedded Super Speciality Hospital, estimated to cost Rs. 840 crore.

Addressing the media, Dr Sarma reaffirmed that his visit to Barak Valley was aimed at distributing cheques under the MMUA in Ram Krishna Nagar and Silchar constituencies and reviewing key infrastructure projects. He announced that work on the Silchar elevated corridor and other pending projects would begin within the next two months. The Chief Minister revealed that the Silchar flyover will cost Rs. 600 crore, while a bridge at Madhura Ghat will be constructed for Rs. 100 crore.

Commenting on the delayed Silchar Municipality election, Sarma said the process had been delayed due to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections and the recent Zubeen Garg incident. “The date will soon be announced by the State Election Commission,” he assured.

Regarding the proposed Dolu Greenfield Airport, he stated that the Airport Authority of India had cleared the project and it would now move to the Standing Finance Committee and then to the Cabinet. “I believe all procedures will be completed within this year,” Sarma added.

Asked about the Opposition’s demand for justice in the Zubeen Garg case, Sarma said, “I too would have demanded the same after seeing the charge sheet. Justice will be delivered by the court, not by us. Have faith in the judiciary.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 Assembly elections, Sarma expressed confidence in public support. “People will vote for us because we brought the suspects from Singapore, gave Zubeen a dignified farewell, and will ensure justice through the charge sheet. Zubeen is kept away from politics, but if anyone votes in his name, people will see how much good work the BJP has done,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s visit will continue on Saturday with more official engagements in the Barak Valley region.