Guwahati, May 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would provide social security and a “new lease of independent life” to men and women from minority communities, particularly women whom he claimed had faced oppression for decades.
Speaking on the third day of the Assam Assembly session, Sarma said the government had fulfilled its electoral promise by tabling the UCC Bill in the House.
“We have brought the UCC Bill, which 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,” Sarma said.
He further stated that the proposed law would empower minority women to lead a safer and more independent life.
“The UCC will bring a new lease of independent life for women from minority communities. We had promised the people that if we returned to power, we would introduce the UCC,” he said.
Recalling criticism from opposition parties, including the Raijor Dal, Sarma said he had made it clear that the government would move ahead with the legislation if it could not be stopped politically.
“I remember opposition leaders and the Raijor Dal criticising us when we spoke about bringing the UCC to Assam. I told them that if they could stop us, they should do so. But if they failed, we would bring the UCC in the very first Assembly session. We made a commitment to the people of Assam, and today we have tabled the Bill,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Assam would become the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to introduce the UCC.
“Women from minority communities were suppressed and exploited. But now they will be able to lead a safe and independent life. I feel proud that after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, Assam will become the third state to bring the UCC,” Sarma added.
Referring to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act introduced five years ago, Sarma said the legislation had initially faced criticism both inside and outside the Assembly.
He claimed that following appeals from the government, some Muslim organisations in Assam had decided not to use cows for sacrifice during Eid this year out of respect for Hindu religious sentiments.
“No religious scripture says cows must necessarily be sacrificed. There are alternatives, and this time, some leaders and Muslim organisations have decided not to sacrifice or slaughter cows during Eid. I express my gratitude to them for respecting the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. This decision will further strengthen peace and harmony in Assam,” he said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to others who had not yet made a decision to “draw inspiration from others” and refrain from using cows for sacrifice this Eid.
“Many people have already taken this decision,” he said while reiterating his appeal on the floor of the Assembly
 would provide social security and a “new lease of independent life” to men and women from minority communities, particularly women whom he claimed had faced oppression for decades.){kind=link}