Assam Announces Special ‘In-Law Leave’ to Strengthen Family Bonds

Guwahati, Sept 2025 – In a pioneering step to promote family harmony and cultural values, the Assam government has announced a two-day special leave in November for state government employees to spend time with their parents-in-law.

The initiative, unveiled by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a public event in Guwahati, is being hailed as the first-of-its-kind policy in India. It seeks to strengthen familial ties beyond the immediate household and highlight the importance of relationships with in-laws — often overlooked but deeply significant in Indian society.

The leave, which will be available once a year in November, applies to both male and female government employees. Officials clarified that it is optional and will not be deducted from the employees’ regular leave balance.

“We often talk about work-life balance and family values, but rarely do policies reflect that spirit. This leave is our way of showing that relationships with in-laws matter too,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the decision aligns with Assam’s broader goal of fostering social well-being and inclusivity within families.

The announcement has been met with widespread praise from civil society groups and social media users, who welcomed it as a gesture of empathetic governance. Many have informally dubbed it “in-law leave”, noting its uniqueness in India’s administrative framework.

Observers say the Assam model could inspire other states to adopt similar people-centric policies that blend tradition with modern governance. By institutionalising such cultural values, the government hopes to encourage stronger family networks and healthier social ties across the state.

With this initiative, Assam positions itself as a trendsetter in progressive yet culturally rooted policymaking.