UCC to ensure security for Muslim women: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will ensure a “new lease of independence” and social security for women from the minority community.

During a discussion on the UCC bill introduced in the 126-member House on Monday, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government had fulfilled its poll promise by bringing the bill.

“The UCC bill will provide social security to men and women from the minority communities. It will also provide safety and security to the women from the minority community who have remained oppressed for decades,” the chief minister said, adding that the proposed law enables minority women to lead a more independent life.

He said opposition parties criticized him before the election for saying the government would pursue UCC if it could not be stopped politically. “I told them that if they do not stop us, we will bring the UCC to the very first session of the assembly. We have acted as per our commitment to the people of Assam,” he said.

“I am proud that Assam will be the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to bring UCC,” he added.

Taking a cue from All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, some Congress MLAs said the UCC could not be described as “uniform” as it had separate provisions for tribal and non-tribal communities. The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill exempts all Scheduled Tribes and Adivasi communities from its purview.

“If this bill is good, it should apply to everyone. If it is bad, it should not be implemented at all,” Congress MLA Zubair Anam told reporters.

“The bill currently says that if any non-tribal enters into a live-in relationship, it will have to be registered. What happens when a non-tribal partner lives with a tribal girl?” he asked, insisting that the word “uniform” should apply to all communities.

“Why should it not apply to tribal communities? If it is for the welfare of the people, how will the welfare be ensured by excluding one community?” he asked.

“Gratitude to Muslims”

Earlier, the chief minister thanked some Muslim leaders and organizations for deciding not to sacrifice or slaughter cows during Bakrid or Eid-ul-Zuha on May 28.

“No religious text says that cows must be sacrificed. There are alternatives. I express my gratitude to some leaders and Muslim organizations for respecting the religious sentiments of the Hindu community by deciding not to sacrifice cows on Eid. This decision will further strengthen peace and harmony in Assam,” he said.

The chief minister also appealed to others who are yet to make the decision to “take inspiration” from those who abstained from cow sacrifices during the festival.

.Assam’s UCC Act Explained: What Changes Under New Act?

Assam has introduced a new Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law that proposes a ban on polygamy, mandatory marriage and divorce registration and legalization of live-in relationships. But what is the Uniform Civil Code and why has it remained one of India’s most debated issues? This explanatory article discusses the Assam UCC Act, the history of the UCC, Article 44 of the Constitution and the arguments relating to equality, personal laws and religious freedom. | Video Credit: The Hindu

Published – 27 May 2026 11:27 IST