Assam Assembly Ends Jumma Break: BJP MLA Taranga Gogoi Calls It Historic
The Assam Legislative Assembly has decided to end the practice of a two-hour Jumma break on Fridays. This rule was originally introduced by the Muslim League government in colonial Assam to allow Muslim legislators to offer Friday prayers.
Historic Decision
BJP MLA Taranga Gogoi described the decision as historic and highlighted India’s secular nature. He stated, “As India is a secular country and if somebody takes a break for Namaz, Hindus can also take a break for our rituals. But the break was given to a particular community for many years. It is a historic decision.”
New Assembly Rules
According to the new rule, the Assam assembly will commence its proceedings at 9:30 am every day, including Fridays, without any adjournment for religious purposes. The amendment aims to scrap the colonial practice that divided society on a religious basis.
Chief Minister’s Remarks
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the decision, stating it prioritizes the productivity of the assembly. He expressed his gratitude towards Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary for this historic decision. In a post on X, CM Sarma said, “By doing away with the 2-hour Jumma break, @AssamAssembly has prioritized productivity and shed another vestige of colonial baggage. This practice was introduced by Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937. My gratitude to Biswajit Daimar Dangoriya and our legislators for this historical decision.”
Doubts Revealed
Assam Legislative Assembly -: This is a group of people who make laws for the state of Assam in India. They meet in a big building to discuss and decide on important issues.
Jumma break -: This was a two-hour break on Fridays for Muslim prayers. It was a time when the assembly would stop working so that Muslim members could pray.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
MLA -: MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly. These are people elected by the public to represent them in the state assembly.
Taranga Gogoi -: He is a member of the BJP and an MLA in the Assam Legislative Assembly. He called the decision to end the Jumma break historic.
Muslim League government -: This was a political party that represented Muslims in India during the time when the British ruled India. They introduced the Jumma break in Assam.
Colonial Assam -: This refers to the time when Assam was under British rule, before India became independent in 1947.
Secular -: This means that the government treats all religions equally and does not favor any one religion.
Himanta Biswa Sarma -: He is the Chief Minister of Assam, which means he is the head of the state government. He supported the decision to end the Jumma break.
Assembly productivity -: This means how much work the assembly can get done. By not taking breaks for religious reasons, they hope to get more work done.