Assam Assembly Ends Jumma Prayer Break

The Assam Assembly has abolished the two-hour Jumma break, which allowed Muslim legislators to attend Friday prayers, in a move described by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as a way to enhance productivity and eliminate colonial-era practices. This tradition, dating back to 1937 when it was established by the Muslim League's Syed Saadulla, was officially scrapped following unanimous agreement from the Rules Committee. Sarma expressed gratitude towards the Speaker and legislators for their support, framing the decision as a step towards true secularism in Assam. The assembly sessions will now proceed uninterrupted from 9:30 am, enhancing legislative efficiency. This decision follows another recent legislative change where the Assam government replaced the 1935 Act governing Muslim marriages, indicating a broader shift in policy under Sarma's administration.