Guwahati: Assam cabinet on Thursday approved rules for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages, replacing the earlier Kazi-led registration mechanism with a system of govt-appointed registrars.CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026 would provide a uniform framework for mandatory registration across the state.In a post-cabinet briefing, the CM said, “The Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026 to establish a uniform procedural framework for mandatory registration across the state has been approved.”The rules have been framed under Section 25 of Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorces Act, 2024.The chief minister said an earlier govt decision had barred ‘kazis’ from registering Muslim marriages but had not specified an alternative mechanism.“From now on, Muslim marriages will be registered by registrars. If the number of applications increases, some panchayat-level officials may also be authorised to register marriages to ensure that people do not face any inconvenience,” he said.Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill was passed by the state legislative assembly in 2024 with the aim of making registration of marriages and divorces between Muslims compulsory within Assam to prevent child marriages and polygamy.The erstwhile Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, was repealed through Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, ending the traditional Kazi-led registration system.The cabinet also approved implementation of Assam Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) Project at a cost of Rs 796.88 crore.The CM said, “Through it, those in the fishery business will benefit. Also, infrastructure development work of 102 derelict community ‘beels’ (waterbodies) will be undertaken.”The cabinet also approved a rent-based or pro bono model for construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory and ancillary infrastructure of Spices Board under Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Guwahati.Under the arrangement, agriculture department, in coordination with PWD (B), will undertake construction of the building as per the design and specifications provided by Spices Board.
