Women divorced via triple talaq to get interim pension in Assam

Muslim women in Assam who have been divorced using the provision of triple talaq will be provided interim pension by the Bjp-led Assam government as per a new policy.

Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma disclosed this here on Thursday while informing about the changes made to the state’s draft population policy announced last month.

The draft, which is being renamed as population and women empowerment policy, bars those having more than two children or marrying before legally permissible age from getting government jobs.

“There will be provision for skill upgradation of Muslim women divorcee to help in gainful employment and in the interim, such victims of triple talaq will be given family pension,” Sarma said. Divorcees and single women from other communities will also be given skill-based education and employment, but they won’t get interim pension.

The Bjp-led Centre has opposed triple talaq—a provision by which a Muslim man can divorce his wife by pronouncing the word talaq thrice—saying it impacted the social status and dignity of Muslim women, rendering them unequal and vulnerable.

The issue has come under criticism from various Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has denounced the practice, urging Muslims not to view the issue through a “political lens”.

Himanta Sarma said “steps will be taken to prevent and deter women from being abandoned or deserted (or divorced) by husband on flimsy grounds such as birth of girl child, etc. We will bring a law which will make it a punishable offence.”

The changes have been introduced after getting feedback from public, NGOS and media outlets on the draft policy.