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UCC rooted in the spirit of Indian Constitution, says Assam CM

From Our Special Correspondent GUWAHATI, May 27: In a significant development, the Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Assam, 2026 Bill, paving the way for a common civil legal framework regarding marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships in the state.

The contentious Bill was passed in the House by voice vote after about five hours of discussion and debate as members of the Opposition parties, comprising the Congress, Raijor Dal and All India Trinamool Congress, demanded further consultations with stakeholders before the Bill was passed.

The legislation seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a uniform set of provisions aimed at ensuring equality before the law and promoting gender justice. Tribal communities have been kept outside the purview of the legislation to tional protections.

With the passage of the UCC Bill in the state Assembly, Assam became the third state in the country, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, to adopt a common set of laws for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession for all citizens.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while presenting a detailed address in the Assembly on why the UCC Bill is significant for Assam, said “Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to ensure mandatory registration of all marriages and live-in relationships, legal clarity and accountability.”

“UCC is rooted in the spirit of the Indian Constitution, reflecting the ideals of equality, justice and unity,” he said.

Addressing the media after passage of the Bill in the House, Sarma said the Bill would be sent to the Governor, and then to President for final assent.

“Once assent from the President is received, UCC will be implemented in Assam,” the chief minister said, while adding that it will take around six months to formulate the necessary rules as per the approved Sarma further expressed gratitude to all MLAs of Assam for supporting the adoption of the UCC.

Meanwhile, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed the passage of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in Assam on Wednesday as a historic milestone, saying it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s history.

Reacting to the passage of the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Assam’s history. The passage of the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, in the Assam Legislative Assembly is a transformative step towards social justice, equality and good governance.”

Sonowal further said, “The Bill will pave the way for a well-organised and equitable civil framework while safeguarding the constitutional, social and cultural rights of Assam’s indigenous and tribal communities.

At the same time, this decision assumes special significance in strengthening women’s empowerment, equal rights and social harmony.”

The union minister also congratulated Assam chief minister for implementing

(PTI) People stand near an eroded embankment along the Brahmaputra River, in Nagaon district of Assam on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall and rising water levels of the river have triggered severe soil erosion in the area.

PTI

MUMBAI, May 26: Market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower in a volatile trade on Tuesday following a spike in crude oil prices amid reports of fresh US military operations in southern Iran.

Besides, losses in financial and banking stocks amid a weak rupee dragged the indices lower, traders said.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 479.26 points, or 0.63 per cent, to settle at 76,009.70. During the day, it tanked 579.28 points, or 0.75 per cent, to 75,909.68.

Similarly, the 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 118 points, or 0.49 per cent, to end at 23,913.70.

From the Sensex firms, Bharti Airtel, Trent, Tata Consultancy Services, Bajaj Finance, Titan and HDFC Bank were among the biggest laggards.

In contrast, Tech Mahindra, Eternal, Maruti and Adani Ports were among the winners.

The BSE MidCap Select index went up by 0.27 per cent, and the SmallCap Select index edged higher by 0.26 per cent.

Among sectoral indices, Consumer Durables dropped 0.86 per cent, Top 10 Banks (0.61 per cent), Realty (0.52 per cent), Hospitals (0.52 per cent), PSU Bank (0.47 per cent) and Bankex (0.31 per cent).

Utilities jumped 1.15 per cent, Metal (1.02 per cent), Power (0.86 per cent), and Capital Goods (0.52 per cent).

The rupee depreciated 47 paise to close at 95.73 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, climbed 2.93 per cent to USD 98.96 per barrel.

PTI

NEW DELHI, May 26: Gold prices declined by Rs 2,800 to Rs 1.62 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday as military tensions between Washington and Tehran drove investors towards the US dollar. According to the All India Sarafa Association, gold of 99.9 per cent purity depreciated by Rs 2,800 to Rs 1,62,400 per 10 grams.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 26: Voice of the People Party (VPP) spokesperson Dr AW Rani has raised concerns over the Me-ghalaya government’s Integrated Excise Management System (IEMS), alleging the policy hurts local liquor retailers and reduces state revenue to benefit private interests.

Clarifying that the VPP does not promote liquor consump-tion, Rani insisted that government regulations must remain fair, transparent, and economically viable.

He argued that while the state should work to reduce the so-cial impact of alcohol, current policies should not undermine local businesses and workers dependent on the sector.

Rani criticised the IEMS for reducing retailers’ margins and diverting a portion of their earnings to C-Tel Infosystems Pvt Ltd, the private agency implementing the system. He claimed this arrangement weakens small businesses, threatens jobs, and could encourage illegal sales and black marketing.

The spokesperson further alleged that the system lacks transparency and suggests possible corruption. He noted that the government has reportedly maintained the reduced excise margin policy despite observations from the High Court and the subsequent withdrawal of the matter from the Supreme Court. (Contd on P-7)

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NEW DELHI, May 26: Fuel price hikes and higher import duties on gold and silver could push retail inflation to 5 per cent by June, but the RBI will wait and watch till the impact of fuel price hike settles in before tightening interest rates in the second half of the fiscal year, economists said.

Over a period of 11 days, starting May 15, petrol prices have been increased by Rs 7.38/ltr and diesel prices by Rs 7.48/ltr with some inter-city variation. These price hikes will directly cascade into impacting prices in sectors where petrol and diesel are used as inputs such as transport and storage and to some extent electricity.

Besides, the government on May 13 had hiked import duty on gold and silver to 15 per cent to curb non-essential imports.

“After an overall increase averaging about Rs 7.5/ltr in petroleum products, CPI inflation would go up by about 75 basis points. In May 2026, CPI inflation may thus be in the range of 4-4.5 per cent and June CPI may be in the range of 4.5-5 per cent,” EY India Chief Policy Advisor D K Srivastava told PTI.

The CPI inflation data for May is scheduled to be released on June 12.

“Since the increase in CPI is cost driven, adjustments in repo rate may have limited effect in containing inflation. RBI may like to wait until the fuel price hike settles down and examine its impact over a quarter before taking a decision. However, If CPI inflation crosses the level of 5 per cent and shows upward momentum, RBI may start tightening interest rates,” Srivastava said. (PTI)

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FRESH ADMISSION NOTICE

Sd/- Principal

No. TP/Admission/2025-2026/87/71 Dated: Tura, the 22nd May 2026

Applications are invited for fresh admission into three (3) years Diploma courses in Tura Polytechnic, Tura, for the session 2026-27. Application forms can be collected in person from the office of the undersigned on payment of 10/- (Rupees ten) only or fill and submit online through the Institute website @ www.turapolytechnic.in. Please refer to the admission details given in the prospectus or Polytechnic’s website.

Tura Polytechnic is one of the Government Polytechnics located within 5 Kms from the main town of Tura and 323 Kms away from Shillong. Students who study in Tura Polytechnic can avail hostel facility for both boys and girls within the institute campus. Students also avail stipend during the course of study in Tura Polytechnic. Minimum qualification for admission into diploma courses in Tura Polytechnic is 10th pass from a recognised board.

MIPR No. 584