Sarma Defends UCC Bill in Assam Assembly Debate

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the state assembly on Tuesday that the Uniform Civil Code will provide enhanced security and justice to women belonging to minority communities. During the discussion on the proposed legislation, Sarma emphasised that the BJP government has chosen social justice over political considerations and introduced the UCC bill at the earliest opportunity. He stated that the administration is not driven by vote-bank calculations. Instead, the bill has been brought forward to strengthen the rights of minority women in key areas such as marriage, inheritance, and social protection. The Chief Minister accused opposition parties of deliberately confusing people about the bill’s purpose. He referred to an earlier debate in which a Raijor Dal legislator had criticised the government, noting that the administration had promised reforms aimed at equality and justice. Sarma explained that the UCC is not aimed at any single faith or community. Its objective, he said, is to guarantee equal rights and uniform legal protection to all citizens, particularly women who have historically been disadvantaged under personal laws. The government has repeatedly highlighted that the proposed law will focus on gender justice, women’s empowerment, and constitutional safeguards while also protecting the interests of indigenous and tribal populations. Opposition members have rejected these claims and continue to argue that the bill encroaches upon religious freedoms and traditional practices.