The Assam Assembly has stopped the “namaz break,” a two-hour pause that allowed Muslim lawmakers time for Friday prayers. This change affects about 30 Muslim Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and started during the current Budget session.
What is the Namaz Break?
The “namaz break” was a practice that allowed Muslim MLAs to attend Friday prayers, which are an important part of their religious observance. Previously, the Assembly would pause for two hours to accommodate this practice. The decision to end this break was made last August, but it wasn’t put into practice until now.
Why was the Break Discontinued?
While the Assam Assembly hasn’t released an official statement, it’s believed the change is intended to make legislative work more efficient and keep a steady schedule. This aligns with efforts in other organizations to focus on getting things done quickly. The government may be working towards a uniform process for all.
Concerns About the Decision
The decision has caused some debate. Rafiqul Islam, an AIUDF MLA, expressed worry that the decision was made based on the majority party’s numbers rather than respect for religious practices. Islam stated the decision was influenced more by the “strength of the numbers” than any other considerations. To learn more about how state legislatures function, consider researching parliamentary procedures.
It’s important to note that streamlining operations is a common goal in many organizations, and the Assam Assembly’s decision reflects this trend. However, changes like these need to balance efficiency with the accommodation of diverse religious and cultural practices. The implications of this decision will be watched closely, as it could influence similar changes in other state assemblies.