Dispur: The 16th session of the Assam Legislative Assembly began on May 21, marking the first major legislative sitting after the NDA government returned to power in Assam for a third consecutive term.
The four-day Assembly session, which will continue till May 26 excluding Saturday and Sunday, is expected to witness crucial legislative discussions, including the introduction of the much-debated Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill and the election of a new Speaker.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Himanta Biswa Sarma said the House would first elect a new Speaker before taking up important legislative business.
“Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Assembly session and the new Speaker of the House will be elected first. Following that, we will move ahead with important legislative matters, including the Uniform Civil Code Bill,” Sarma stated.
Reaffirming the BJP-led alliance government’s commitment to implementing the UCC, the Chief Minister said the legislation was among the promises made before the Assembly elections and the government was now prepared to fulfill that commitment.
“We had made a commitment earlier that once we returned to power, we would bring the Uniform Civil Code in the first Assembly session. We are now moving ahead in that direction and the Bill will be introduced during this session,” he added.
The proposed UCC legislation is expected to trigger intense debate both inside and outside the Assembly. While the government maintains that the Bill aims to establish equal civil laws for all citizens irrespective of religion, opposition parties and several social organisations have raised concerns regarding its possible impact on personal laws, customs, and community-specific traditions.
However, the state government has not yet made the draft Bill public, and the Chief Minister refrained from disclosing further details of the proposed legislation.
Sarma also expressed confidence regarding the Bill’s passage, indicating that the government was politically prepared for what is being seen as one of the most significant legislative exercises in recent years.
Apart from the UCC Bill, the Assembly session is also likely to pave the way for a cabinet expansion in Assam. Hinting at a possible reshuffle and induction of new ministers, the Chief Minister said the process could take place in the first week of June after the conclusion of the Assembly session.
“Regarding cabinet expansion, it is likely to happen in the first week of June after the Assembly session. The process will happen gradually,” Sarma said.
The session assumes political significance as it reflects the NDA government’s legislative priorities after securing power in Assam for the third straight term.
