1. The Assam state cabinet discusses the potential introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill.
2. Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah reveals no final decision was reached after deliberations.
3. Earlier hints at exemptions for tribal communities within the proposed UCC framework.
Guwahati, Feb 11: The Assam state cabinet convened to deliberate on the potential introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah disclosing that while discussions took place, no conclusive decision was reached.
Earlier in the day, Mallabaruah had hinted at the significance of the UCC as a topic of discussion in the scheduled cabinet meeting, suggesting the possibility of certain exemptions for tribal communities within the proposed UCC framework.
Chief Minister Himanat Biswa Sarma had previously expressed intentions to implement the UCC while ensuring exemptions for tribal populations.
The UCC aims to ensure equal treatment under a national civil code, regardless of religious affiliation.
Sarma’s government has been closely monitoring the UCC draft bill initiated by Uttarakhand, considering its potential applicability in northeastern states.
Uttrakhand notably passed the UCC Bill on February 7, emerging as the first state to do so after extensive deliberations.
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The Assam cabinet session commenced at 7 pm, with Sarma and key ministers like Mallabaruah and Pijush Hazarika in attendance. Despite discussions extending until 9:30 pm, the UCC was not among the decisions announced by the chief minister post-meeting, as confirmed by Mallabaruah.
Addressing the media afterwards, Mallabaruah emphasized ongoing dialogues on issues like polygamy within the context of the UCC, hinting at potential developments by the conclusion of the budget session.
He further speculated on significant decisions that might transpire under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consecutive third term.
The ongoing budget session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, which began on February 5 and is set to conclude on February 28, has seen the introduction of 11 bills, including the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill 2024.
This newly approved bill aims to criminalize traditional magical practices used for treating congenital diseases such as deafness, dumbness, blindness, physical deformities, and autism.
