Guwahati, 13 May (HS): The Himanta Biswa Sarma 2.0 government on Wednesday placed the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at the centre of its policy agenda during the first Cabinet meeting, deciding to introduce the legislation in the Assam Legislative Assembly on May 26. Several other major administrative and governance-related decisions were also taken in the meeting.

Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the new government officially assumed responsibility from today and portfolios of ministers would be announced shortly. He added that the BJP’s Sankalp Patra would form the basis of governance for the new dispensation.

The Chief Minister informed that the upcoming Assembly session would be held on May 21, 22, 25 and 26. He stated that the proposed UCC would exclude tribal communities as well as all forms of religious customs and rituals. According to the government, the legislation will primarily focus on four issues — minimum age for marriage, property rights, live-in relationships and polygamy.

In a major employment-related initiative, the Cabinet constituted a task force under the Chief Secretary to prepare a roadmap for fulfilling the government’s commitment of providing two lakh government jobs. The Chief Secretary will hold consultations with various departments and submit a report on employment generation opportunities for youths over the next five years.

The Cabinet also resolved to organise the concluding ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of legendary singer and cultural icon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in New Delhi on September 8. Besides this, a museum dedicated to Dr Bhupen Hazarika will be established at Kalakshetra with an estimated expenditure of ₹32 crore, including a contribution of ₹13 crore from the North East Council.

The government further appointed Devajit Saikia as the Advocate General of Assam for the next five years.

Announcing austerity measures, the Chief Minister said no new vehicles would be allotted to newly inducted ministers for the next six months. Ministers, government officials and employees will also not be permitted to travel abroad during this period except for medical reasons.

He further stated that the number of convoy vehicles allotted to constitutional authorities, ministers and officials would be reduced, while the state government would also attempt to cut diesel and petrol expenditure compared to 2025 levels.

As part of efforts to conserve foreign exchange, the Assam government decided not to purchase foreign goods for the next six months. Seminars and workshops during this period will also be conducted only through video conferencing.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash