Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the cancellation of the two-hour Friday namaz break in the Assam Legislative Assembly, a move aimed at boosting legislative productivity and moving away from colonial-era practices. The decision, made public on Friday, puts an end to a long-standing tradition that allowed Muslim lawmakers and staff to break for Friday prayers, or namaz.

Chief Minister Sarma thanked Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary and other legislators for supporting what he described as a "historic decision." He highlighted that the removal of the Jumma break reflects the Assembly's commitment to prioritizing legislative work over what he considers outdated practices.

"By eliminating the 2-hour Jumma break, the Assam Assembly has chosen productivity and let go of another remnant of colonial legacy," Sarma said in his statement.

The Chief Minister emphasized that religious considerations should not influence the functioning of the Assembly.

The decision to end the namaz break was reached unanimously by all members of the Assembly, effectively abolishing the two-hour pause from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Fridays. With this change, the Assembly's sessions will now begin at 9:30 am every day, including Fridays, signaling a shift in the legislative schedule.