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Assam Minister's Hiring Directive Sparks Controversy

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ister-s-hiring-directive-sparks-controversy.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 11:28 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Assam, INDIA

Guwahati, Assam - January 30, 2026 - Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent directive to prioritize the hiring of "local workers" over "Miya Muslims" on state-funded construction projects has ignited a fierce debate surrounding employment practices, religious discrimination, and the socio-economic tensions simmering in the northeastern state. The comments, made during a review meeting of the state's road construction department on Thursday, have drawn widespread criticism from rights groups, opposition parties, and legal experts.

Sarma, a prominent figure in Assam politics, reportedly questioned why Assamese workers couldn't fulfill the labor needs of these projects, explicitly instructing contractors to favor local hires. This directive, while framed as a push for local employment, has been widely interpreted as a targeted exclusion of the Miya Muslim community - a Bengali-speaking Muslim population that migrated to Assam from Bangladesh over several decades.

The Miya Muslims have historically formed a significant portion of the unskilled labor force in Assam, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, and brick-making. Their presence, and the resulting demographic shifts, have been a source of contention for some segments of the Assamese population who fear a dilution of their cultural identity and economic opportunities. The term "Miya" itself, originally a respectful form of address, has increasingly been used pejoratively to stigmatize the community.

Critics argue Sarma's statement is a blatant act of discrimination, violating constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination. Legal experts point to Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. "Directing contractors to specifically exclude a community based on their religious or ethnic identity is a clear violation of these fundamental rights," explains Advocate Shahana Rahman, a human rights lawyer based in Guwahati. "Even if the stated intention is to promote local employment, it must be done in a non-discriminatory manner, ensuring equal opportunity for all qualified individuals."

The directive also raises questions about the underlying economic anxieties driving the policy. While proponents argue it aims to boost the local economy and provide employment to Assamese residents, opponents contend it ignores the skills and experience of the Miya Muslim workforce. Many Miya Muslims have been working in the construction sector for years, possessing valuable skills and knowledge. Excluding them could lead to project delays and increased labor costs, ultimately hindering development.

The issue is deeply intertwined with the broader debate surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam, which aimed to identify illegal immigrants. The NRC process disproportionately affected the Miya Muslim community, with many facing exclusion and the threat of statelessness. The current directive is seen by many as a continuation of this exclusionary trend.

The All Assam Minority Students' Union (AAMSU) has condemned Sarma's statement, calling it "divisive and communal." The organization plans to stage protests across the state and has urged the government to rescind the directive. "This is an attempt to marginalize and disenfranchise a community that has been contributing to Assam's development for generations," stated AAMSU president Rejaul Karim. "We will not allow such discrimination to stand."

Government officials have defended the directive, arguing it is a legitimate attempt to address unemployment among local Assamese communities. They claim the intention is not to discriminate but to prioritize the economic well-being of indigenous residents. However, critics point out that the directive lacks clear criteria for defining "local workers" and opens the door to arbitrary interpretation and potential abuse. The lack of transparency regarding the selection process further fuels concerns about bias.

The situation highlights the complex interplay of identity politics, economic grievances, and historical migration patterns in Assam. Addressing these underlying issues requires a nuanced and inclusive approach that prioritizes dialogue, equitable development, and the protection of the rights of all communities. Failing to do so risks exacerbating tensions and hindering the state's progress.