Guwahati, May 13: The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday approved the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing that the tribal population will remain outside its purview. The UCC Bill is scheduled to be laid before the new legislative assembly on May 26.

“This is a major decision taken in the first cabinet meeting and aligns with the commitment we made during the elections,” Sarma said at a press conference after chairing the meeting. He noted that while states such as Uttarakhand, Goa, and Gujarat have already implemented the UCC, Assam has customised the framework to suit its requirements.

“We have completely exempted the tribal population from the purview of UCC. All rituals, traditions and customs practised by the people of Assam outside the scope of UCC,” the Chief Minister explained.

The proposed code will address matters related to succession, marriage, live-in relationships, and compulsory registration of marriage and divorce. Officials said the move reflects the government’s effort to modernise personal laws while respecting the cultural diversity of Assam.