Assam Cabinet Clears UCC Draft, Cuts Spend With Austerity Plan
Bill to reach Assembly on May 26 amid push to curb expenses
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced a series of austerity measures, targeting reduced government expenditure due to global uncertainties, and said that the state cabinet has approved the draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which will be tabled in the state assembly on May 26.
Informing that the first cabinet meeting of his government has decided to adopt the BJP manifesto as guiding principle for policy decisions of the government, Mr Sarma told reporters that cabinet has also constituted a task force headed by the chief secretary to fulfil the promises of giving two lakh jobs in the government sector.
Referring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce expenditure of foreign currency, the chief minister said that his government has decided to cut expenditure on fuel by 20 percent in comparison to last year.
Announcing downsizing official convoys of all in the government, banning foreign travel for officials, and suspending physical seminars and workshops for six months, the chief minister said that official convoys for ministers, including the chief minister and Governor, will be reduced.
He pointed out that a six-month ban on foreign travel for state government employees, officials, and ministers is now in place, allowed only for emergency medical reasons and with approval from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
He said that the cabinet has also put restrictions on purchasing new vehicles (excluding police requirements) for next six months. He said that the government has also decided not to allow purchasing of any imported material or articles.
By taking this step on UCC, Assam has also joined the ranks of Uttarakhand, Goa, and Gujarat, which have already moved forward with similar legislation. However, Mr Sarma emphasized that the bill has been specifically tailored to meet the unique demographic needs of the state.
He said that the Assam version of the UCC will have the total exemption of tribal populations. “Both hill and plain tribes will remain outside the bill's jurisdiction, ensuring their traditional customs and practices are preserved,” he said.
He clarified, “Basically, the UCC will deal with marriage, live-in relationship and compulsory registration of marriage, including divorce. It will be almost in sync with Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Goa. However, we have completely exempted the tribal population and customs, rituals, and traditions of Assam. Because in Assam we have different communities, different customs,” said the chief minister.
It is aimed at ensuring uniformity in legal rights and obligations across communities, though it remains a politically sensitive issue in India.
Mr Sarma has previously said the government will act in line with its manifesto and under constitutional provisions while prioritising Assam’s identity and development agenda.
