Assam: Soon, those with 2+ kids won't get government jobs
What's the story
The Assam government, run by BJP, has come up with a new plan to keep a check on population. Late on Monday, the state government passed a rule that those with more than two kids will not be eligible for government jobs. This new diktat will be effective from January 1, 2021. In fact, in-service employees have also been urged to follow this policy.
Looking back
Two years ago, Assam Assembly passed a resolution
The new policy finds its roots in a resolution called "Population and Women Empowerment Policy of Assam" which was passed by the state Assembly in 2017 after a marathon debate. Introducing the resolution in the Assembly, state minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said it would promote safe motherhood, help in achieving gender equality, and increase awareness about population.
Looking back
The policy also put restrictions on elected representatives
Notably, the policy also barred those having more than two kids from being elected to panchayats and state assembly. "In case any MLA from state flouts the family planning norms i.e MLAS having more than two children may be disqualified from his/her membership and be debarred from contesting polls," Sarma had said, adding those following family planning norms will be incentivized.
Quote
Rapid population growth could derail progress, read the policy
"The government recognizes that rapid population growth could severely derail progress in reaching our primary goal to achieve a high quality of life for all our population in Assam that is sustainable with available resources," the policy reportedly read.
Land
Separately, government decided to help landless indigenous people
On a related note, the Cabinet also adopted a new Land Policy in its meeting on Monday. The government has decided that it will give three bighas of agricultural land to landless indigenous people. They will also get another half a bigha for building a house. A statement from Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's office said that this land can't be sold for 15 years.