Tribals to be Exempted from UCC, Says Rijiju: Freedom to Live by Their Traditions

Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced that tribal communities in the Northeast and other parts of the country will be excluded from the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), ensuring they can continue to live according to their own customs and traditions. Speaking at an event organized by the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, an organization affiliated with the RSS, Rijiju clarified the central government’s stance on the issue. He noted that some individuals are currently generating a divisive atmosphere on social media and constructing a narrative against the central government. The minister stated, ‘As a central minister, I want to share the view of our government. Our government and the party (BJP) are considering the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country in accordance with the Constitution. If criminal laws are the same for everyone, why should civil laws not be (the same for everyone)?’ He further mentioned that some states have already begun working on this matter. ‘But we have clearly stated that tribals will be exempted from this. Tribals should be given the freedom to live their lives in their own way. This (Uniform Civil Code) will not be applicable in Schedule 6, Schedule 5, the Northeast, and other tribal areas of the country,’ he added.