Desk Report, February 24, 2024: In a pivotal stride towards achieving the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Assam Government, in its recent weekly cabinet meeting held in Guwahati on Friday, decided to annul the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935. Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah made the announcement, signaling a transformative shift in the legal landscape.
Henceforth, Muslim marriages and divorces will be governed by the Special Marriages Act, as the Assam Government relinquishes the 1935 Act. Ninety-four Muslim marriage registrars, formerly overseeing divorce or registrations, will now pass the baton to District Commissioners or District Registrars.
Explaining the significance of this decision, Mallabaruah stated, “The cabinet has repealed the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act 1935. From now on, the divorce or registration of Muslim marriages will not be allowed. District Commissioners or district registrars will now take charge of the 94 marriage registrars. Additionally, the Assam government has approved a one-time compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the registrars.”
Also read: Assam Cabinet Decisions Shape Future Initiatives
Another landmark decision from the cabinet was the endorsement of Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Karbi, Dimasa, and Deori languages as mediums of instruction in primary schools. This move, according to the cabinet minister, will play a pivotal role in elevating the importance of mother tongues as mediums of instruction, contributing to their promotion and preservation.
In a further development, the Assam government has accorded protected class status to the Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, and Gorkha communities under the Balipara Tribal Belt. Simultaneously, Manipuri has received approval as the Associate official language for four districts—Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Hojai.
Highlighting another key decision, Mallabaruah mentioned the establishment of the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University by dividing the Assam Agriculture University. This move, deemed crucial by the government, underscores its commitment to the agricultural and veterinary sectors.
