- Assam Cabinet approves new Muslim marriage registration rules.
- Government-designated registrars to handle all marriage registrations.
- Aadhaar exemption granted for Women's Self-Help Groups.
Assam: The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Thursday approved the Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026. The move aims to establish a uniform procedural framework for mandatory registration of Muslim marriages across the state.
The rules have been framed under Section 25 of the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024.
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Transition To Registrars
Speaking at a press conference following the cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said that while an earlier government decision prohibited Qazis from registering Muslim marriages, no alternative forum had been specified at that time.
Under the new rules, all legal registrations of Muslim marriages will now be conducted by government-designated registrars. If the number of applications increases in the future, some panchayat-level officials will be authorised to register the marriages for the convenience of the public.
The Assam Cabinet has also approved several other decisions on Thursday.
Aadhaar Relief for Women's Self-Help Groups
To support members of women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) struggling to obtain bank loans due to lack of an Aadhaar Card, the cabinet granted a one-time exemption. SHG members can now complete their Aadhaar enrollment by March 31, 2027, despite the state's moratorium on new enrollments for individuals over 16 years of age.
Sustainable Fisheries Transformation Project
The cabinet approved the Assam Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) project, budgeted at Rs 796.88 crore. The project will be financed through a Rs 637.504 crore loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with the remaining balance provided by the state government. Under this scheme, 102 unused community ponds across the state will be renovated to boost fisheries.
Industrial Expansion And Land Allocations
An Rs 11,000 crore investment proposal from JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd. was approved to construct one clinker unit and four cement grinding units in the state, creating approximately 2,000 direct jobs. Additionally, the cabinet approved key land allocations:
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- Hajo (Kamrup District): 504 bighas set aside for an industrial estate.
- Pratapgarh (Sribhumi District): 256 bighas designated for a new agricultural college.
Agricultural Support And Subsidised Rations
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: For collective entities such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and cooperative societies, the state government will fully cover the required 10 per cent promoter contribution.
- Subsidised Food Supplies: In October, National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries will receive subsidised sugar at Rs 30 per kg, capping the combined cost of lentils and sugar at Rs 100.
Autonomous Council Elections
Elections for both the Mishing Autonomous Council and the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council have been scheduled for November.