Guwahati, May 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will guarantee equal application of law for all citizens, with particular emphasis on safeguarding the rights of women and children. He clarified that tribal communities would remain outside the ambit of the UCC to preserve their customs and traditions.

“The Uniform Civil Code in Assam will ensure equal application of the rule of law for everyone and guarantee fair rights to all, especially women and children,” Sarma stated in a post on X. He added that the Janjatiya Samaj of Assam would not be included under the purview of the UCC.

The first cabinet meeting of the new government, held on Wednesday, approved the implementation of the UCC in the state, while exempting tribal groups. Sharing slides on social media, Sarma described the initiative as “one state, one law,” designed to establish a single legal framework for marriage, divorce, and succession.

The draft bill, scheduled to be tabled in the Assembly on May 26, proposes setting the legal marriageable age at 18 years for women and 21 years for men, with mandatory reporting of all marriages and live-in relationships within 60 days. It also ensures equal inheritance rights for spouses, children, and parents, explicit maintenance rights for women in marriages and live-in relationships, legitimacy for all children, and mother-focused custody for children under five.

Sarma further noted that the UCC would prohibit polygamy, guarantee equal rights for daughters in parental property, and enforce compulsory registration of marriage and divorce. Strict penalties for false statements will be introduced to maintain the integrity of legal records.