The Assam government is set to introduce a significant bill in the upcoming state assembly session that will require compulsory government registration of marriage and divorce among Muslim community people in the state. This decision was made during a state cabinet meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the new bill, named the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages Divorces Bill, 2024, will replace the previous practice of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration being conducted by Kazis. Under the new bill, Muslim marriage registration will be conducted by the government, specifically by the Sub Registrar of the Assam government. Additionally, there will be no marriage registration allowed for individuals below 18 years of age.
The main objective behind introducing this new bill is to combat child marriage within the Muslim community in Assam. By ensuring that all marriages and divorces are registered with the government, authorities will have better oversight and control over such important life events, thereby safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals, especially minors.
In addition to the bill on marriage and divorce registration, the Assam government also announced another significant measure during the cabinet meeting. A 5-km radius area around heritage structures such as temples or Namghars that are at least 250 years old will be declared as protected areas. This means that land within these areas can only be transacted between families who have resided there for at least three generations. This move aims to preserve the cultural and historical significance of these structures and prevent unauthorized transactions that could potentially harm their integrity.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed plans to introduce a new law that will require compulsory security clearance for the opening of universities in Assam. This decision comes in response to concerns about institutions from Kerala seeking to establish universities in Muslim-majority areas of the state. By implementing a security clearance requirement, the government aims to ensure that only reputable and trustworthy educational institutions are allowed to operate in Assam, thereby safeguarding the quality of education and the well-being of students.
Overall, these new initiatives reflect the Assam government’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the protection of individuals‘ rights and cultural heritage. By introducing these measures, the government seeks to address pressing issues such as child marriage, unauthorized land transactions, and the quality of education, thereby contributing to the overall development and well-being of the state and its people.