Assam Assembly abolishes two-hour Jumma break to move past colonial practices

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Guwahati, August 30: The Assam Legislative Assembly today formally amended the rule that allowed for a two-hour Jumma break, traditionally observed to enable Muslim legislators to attend Friday prayers.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has thanked Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary for the decision, noting that it was made to improve the assembly’s efficiency and productivity.

“By doing away with the 2-hour Jumma break, Assam Assembly has prioritised productivity and shed another vestige of colonial baggage. This practice was introduced by Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937. My gratitude to Speaker Biswajit Daimary and our legislators for this historical decision,” Assam CM posted on X.

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By doing away with the 2 hour Jumma break, @AssamAssembly has prioritised productivity and shed another vestige of colonial baggage.

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This practice was introduced by Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937.

My gratitude to Hon’ble Speaker Shri @BiswajitDaimar5 dangoriya and our…

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 30, 2024

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Under the previous rule, the Assembly sessions on Fridays were adjourned at 11 am to allow Muslim members to offer namaaz. However, the new rule stipulates that the Assembly will now continue its proceedings without any adjournment for religious reasons.

According to the revised rule, the Assam Assembly will start its proceedings at 9:30 am daily, including on Fridays.

The order noted that the amendment was made to eliminate the colonial practice that sought to create religious divisions within society.

According to the order, the proposal was initially submitted to the Rules Committee chaired by Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, which unanimously approved the removal of the rule.

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