Assam CM Scraps 2-Hour Friday Namaz Break in Assembly, Cites Need for Productivity

Dispur: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the cancellation of the two-hour Friday namaz break in the Assam Legislative Assembly, a move aimed at improving productivity and eliminating remnants of colonial-era practices.

The decision, revealed on Friday, ends a long-standing provision allowing Muslim MLAs and staff to pause proceedings for Friday prayers.

Sarma expressed gratitude to Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary and the legislators for endorsing this “historic decision.” He highlighted that the removal of the Jumma break aligns with the Assembly’s commitment to prioritising legislative productivity over what he described as outdated practices.

“By abolishing the two-hour Jumma break, the Assam Assembly is focusing on productivity and shedding colonial baggage,” Sarma stated.

By doing away with the 2 hour Jumma break, @AssamAssembly 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 Hon’ble Speaker Shri @BiswajitDaimar5 dangoriya and our…

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

The Assembly’s schedule will now see proceedings commence at 9:30 AM every day, including Fridays, with no religious breaks. This change was unanimously supported by all Assembly members, marking a significant shift in the Assembly’s operational routine.