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GS II · Polity and GovernanceThursday, 14 May 2026· Polity and Governance

Assam Cabinet to table UCC draft Bill on May 26

Why it matters for UPSC

Assam's UCC Bill is a landmark governance move as it is among the first state-level attempts to codify a Uniform Civil Code post-Uttarakhand. The deliberate exclusion of tribal communities under the Sixth Schedule raises critical constitutional questions about the scope of UCC under Article 44 and the protective framework of Articles 13, 19, 25, and the Sixth Schedule. This is highly testable in both Prelims (constitutional provisions) and Mains (GS II — governance, minority rights, federalism).

Key facts

  • Assam Cabinet approved the draft UCC Bill on May 26 for tabling in the state legislature.
  • The Bill explicitly excludes tribal communities from its ambit.
  • Areas protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are kept outside the UCC's scope.
  • The BJP's election manifesto for Assam had promised UCC with these tribal exclusions.
  • Uttarakhand was the first state to enact a UCC in 2024; Assam's move is a notable follow-up.
  • The Sixth Schedule covers autonomous tribal district councils primarily in Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram).

The Cabinet also approved the draft of the UCC Bill, which leaves the state's tribal population outside its ambit. The BJP's election manifesto had promised the implementation of the UCC, excluding tribal communities and parts of the state protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Concepts to know

Article 44article

Article 44 is a Directive Principle of State Policy that directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens. It is non-justiciable but guides policy-making.

Sixth Schedulearticle

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for autonomous district councils with legislative and judicial powers to protect tribal communities; Ladakh civil society demands its inclusion for protection of land, culture, and tribal rights.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)term

UCC refers to a single set of civil laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens irrespective of religion, replacing religion-specific personal laws.

Personal Lawsterm

Personal laws are religion-based laws governing civil matters like marriage and succession; e.g., Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act. UCC seeks to replace these with a common framework.

Article 13article

Declares that any law (including customs and usages having the force of law) inconsistent with Fundamental Rights shall be void to the extent of that inconsistency — critical to determining whether discriminatory tribal customs can be struck down.

Article 25article

Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. Anti-conversion laws are tested against this right.

Linked previous-year questions

The UPSC questions this story connects to.

  1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List–I (Amendments to the Constitution) List–II A. The Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991 1. Establishment of state level Rent Tribunals B. The Constitution (Seventy-fifth Amendment) Act, 1994 2. No reservations for Scheduled Castes in Panchayats in Arunachal Pradesh C. The Constitution (Eightieth Amendment) Act, 2000 3. Constitution of Panchayats in Villages or at other local level D. The Constitution (Eighty-third Amendment) Act, 2000 4. Accepting the recommendations of the Tenth Finance Commission 5. According the status of National Capital Territory to Delhi (a) A-5, B-1, C-4, D-2 (b) A-1, B-5, C-3, D-4 (c) A-5, B-1, C-3, D-4 (d) A-1, B-5, C-4, D-2

    • a.A-5, B-1, C-4, D-2 ✓
    • b.A-1, B-5, C-3, D-4
    • c.A-5, B-1, C-3, D-4
    • d.A-1, B-5, C-4, D-2
    Polity · UPSC 2001

  2. The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members? 1. Governor of the Constituent State 2. Chief Minister of the Constituent State 3. Three Members to be nominated by the President of India 4. The Home Minister of India Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    • a.1, 2 and 3 only ✓
    • b.1, 3 and 4 only
    • c.2 and 4 only
    • d.1, 2, 3 and 4
    Polity · UPSC 2024

  3. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List–I (Article of the Constitution) A. Article 54 B. Article 75 C. Article 155 D. Article 164 List–II (Content) 1. Election of the President of India 2. Appointment of the Prime Minister 3. Appointment of the Governor of a State 4. Appointment of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of a State 5. Composition of Legislative Assemblies (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-5 (c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-5 (d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

    • a.A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 ✓
    • b.A-1, B-2, C-4, D-5
    • c.A-2, B-1, C-3, D-5
    • d.A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
    Polity · UPSC 2001

  4. Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. 2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent. 3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • a.1 and 2 only
    • b.2 and 3 only ✓
    • c.1 and 3 only
    • d.1, 2 and 3
    Polity · UPSC 2022

  5. Match List I (Articles of the Constitution of India) with List II (Provision) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List–I A. Article 14 B. Article 15 C. Article 16 D. Article 17 List–II 1. The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex place of birth or any of term. 2. The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of laws within the territory of India. 3. 'Untouchability' is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. 4. There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. (a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 (b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2 (c) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 (d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

    • a.A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
    • b.A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
    • c.A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 ✓
    • d.A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
    Polity · UPSC 2004

  6. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day: Statement-I: Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens. Statement-II: On 26th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

    • a.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    • b.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    • c.Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect ✓
    • d.Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
    Polity · UPSC 2023

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