10-Apr-2017: Two-child norm mandatory to get govt. jobs in Assam

The Assam government has released the new draft population policy.

The policy suggests denial of government jobs to people with more than two children. Any person getting a job after meeting this condition would have to maintain it till end of his service.

For employment generation schemes like grant of tractors, houses and for other government benefits, this two-children norm will be applicable. Besides, all elections such as panchayats, municipal bodies and autonomous councils held under the State Election Commission will also have this norm for candidates.

The policy also aims to make education up to university level free for all girls. This includes facilities like fees, transportation, books and mess dues in hostels. This step is likely to arrest the school dropout rate.

The proposed population policy also seeks to debate on increasing the legal age of marriage from 18 for girls and 21 for boys. If anybody had child marriage then he would be ineligible for government job. The policy would also seek stringent laws to prevent violence and sexual abuse of women.

Besides, a proposal for providing incentives is included for poor persons, who take care of their elderly parents. The policy will also care for the adolescents.

The policy proposes to set up a State Population Council and a State Population Research Centre.