The Assam Cabinet on Thursday approved rules for the compulsory registration of Muslim marriages across the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The rules, called the Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026, have been framed under Section 25 of the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorces Act, 2024.
Addressing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Sarma said the new rules would provide a uniform process for registering Muslim marriages across Assam.
“The ‘Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026’ to establish a uniform procedural framework for mandatory registration across the state has been approved,” Sarma said.
Muslim Marriages to Be Registered by Registrars
Sarma said the government had earlier decided that kazis would no longer be allowed to register Muslim marriages, but the earlier decision did not specify an alternative registration system.
“From now on, Muslim marriages will be registered by registrars,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that panchayat level officials could also be authorised to register marriages if the number of applications increases.
The move follows the Assam government’s 2024 law concerning compulsory registration of Muslim marriages and divorces.
Aadhaar Exemption for Women SHG Members
The Cabinet also approved a one time exemption allowing women members of self help groups to complete their Aadhaar enrolment until March 31, 2027.
Sarma said the exemption was approved after some women’s self help groups faced difficulties in accessing bank loans because all their members did not have Aadhaar cards.
“We had earlier decided to stop new Aadhaar enrolment for those above 16 years of age. But some women SHGs are not getting bank loans as all the members do not have Aadhaar cards,” Sarma said.
He added that the government would not extend the deadline beyond March 31, 2027.
Assam Cabinet Approves Rs 796.88 Crore Fisheries Project
The Cabinet approved the Assam Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation Project at a cost of Rs 796.88 crore.
An Asian Development Bank loan will provide Rs 637.504 crore, while the state government will contribute Rs 159.376 crore.
Sarma said the project would support people working in fisheries and include infrastructure development at 102 derelict community beels, or water bodies.
Rs 11,000 Crore Cement Investment Approved
The Cabinet also approved a proposed investment of Rs 11,000 crore by JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd for a clinker manufacturing unit and four associated cement grinding units in Assam.
According to Sarma, the project is expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs.
The Cabinet also approved 504 bighas of land at Niz Gondhmow in Hajo for an industrial estate and 256 bighas at Pratapgarh in Sribhumi district for an agriculture college.
Sugar Subsidy for NFSA Beneficiaries
The Cabinet decided to provide subsidised sugar to National Food Security Act beneficiaries at Rs 30 per kg for October.
Sarma said the measure would allow beneficiaries to receive both masur dal and sugar for a total cost of Rs 100 during the month.
The Cabinet also approved minimum pay scale benefits for another 166 muster roll, casual and fixed pay workers from September 1.
Elections to the Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council will also be held in November, Sarma said.
