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

Speaking during a discussion on the UCC Bill introduced in the 126-member House on Monday, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government fulfilled its poll promise by tabling the Bill.

“The UCC Bill will provide social security to men and women from minority communities. It will also ensure safety and security for women of the minority community who have remained oppressed for decades,” the Chief Minister said, asserting that the proposed law empowers minority women to lead a more independent life.

He said the opposition parties had criticised him before the elections for saying the government would pursue the UCC if it could not be stopped politically. “I told them that if they fail to stop us, we will bring the UCC in the very first Assembly session. We acted on our commitment to the people of Assam,” he said.

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

Echoing All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, some Congress MLAs said the UCC could not be described as “uniform” as it has 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 journalists.

“The Bill currently says that if any non-tribal person enters into a live-in relationship, it will have to be registered. What will happen if 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 welfare be ensured by excluding one community?” he asked.

‘Gratitude to Muslims’

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

“No religious scripture says cows must necessarily be sacrificed. There are alternatives. I express my gratitude to some leaders and Muslim organisations 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 had not yet made up their minds to “draw inspiration” from those who have refrained from using cows for sacrifice during the festival.

.Assam’s UCC Bill explained: What changes under the new law?

Assam has introduced a new Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill that proposes a ban on polygamy, compulsory marriage and divorce registration, and legal regulation of live-in relationships. But what is the Uniform Civil Code, and why has it remained one of India’s most debated issues? This explainer breaks down the Assam UCC Bill, the history behind UCC, Article 44 of the Constitution, and the arguments surrounding equality, personal laws and religious freedom. | Video Credit: The Hindu