Assam's New Law: Dead Bodies Can't Be Held Hostage
Assam bans hospitals from holding dead bodies over unpaid bills, ensuring release within 2 hours. Also, launched the ‘Gaja Mitra Scheme’ to reduce human-elephant conflict.
In a landmark decision, the Assam government has banned private hospitals from holding back dead bodies over unpaid bills. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made this announcement after receiving several complaints from grieving families whose loved ones’ bodies were kept for days due to pending dues.
Calling the act “against human dignity,” CM Sarma declared that no hospital in Assam can now keep a body for more than two hours after issuing the death certificate, even if the bill hasn’t been paid. If hospitals disobey, they will face suspension of licence for 3 to 6 months and a fine of ?5 lakh. Repeat offenders will have their licence permanently cancelled and be blacklisted.
To ensure accountability, the government has set up a 24x7 toll-free helpline - 104. Families can call this number if a hospital refuses to release a body. Within four hours of the complaint, officials from the health department, local police and hospital grievance cell will be notified and legal action will follow swiftly.
A detailed SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) has also been approved, outlining exact steps hospitals must follow, response times, and penalties if the rules are not followed.
But that’s not all. The Assam cabinet also approved a new wildlife safety program called the “Gaja Mitra Scheme”. This community-based plan is designed to reduce human-elephant conflict in eight of Assam’s most affected districts such as Goalpara, Udalguri, Nagaon, Baksa, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Jorhat and Biswanath.
Villages in these regions will form groups of 8 trained local volunteers to monitor elephant movement and alert communities, especially during the paddy-growing season when conflicts are highest.
“The Gaja Mitra Scheme will build a strong support system between humans and elephants and help these gentle giants move safely along their traditional paths,” CM Sarma said.
From restoring dignity in death to creating harmony with nature, Assam is showing how powerful policies can protect both people and wildlife.
