Amit Shah Assures Tribal Communities: Uniform Civil Code Will Not Apply to Them
- MGMMTeam
- May 25
- 3 min read
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has provided a clear assurance to India’s tribal communities that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not apply to them, with their distinctive customs, traditions, and rights set to be fully safeguarded.
Speaking at the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam held at the Red Fort grounds on May 24, 2026, Shah addressed a large gathering of over 1.5 lakh participants from more than 550 tribal organisations. The event commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal leader and freedom fighter widely revered as Dharti Aaba.
Assurance on Uniform Civil Code Exemptions
In his address, Shah directly addressed concerns and misinformation surrounding the UCC. He stated that no provisions of the code would be imposed on tribal communities, ensuring their cultural practices and personal laws remain untouched.
He noted that states which have implemented versions of the UCC, such as Uttarakhand and Gujarat, have included specific exemptions for Scheduled Tribes. Shah encouraged attendees to carry this message back to their villages, hills, and forests, emphasising that tribal communities need not fear the UCC.
Cultural Preservation and National Unity
The Home Minister highlighted the deep connection tribal societies maintain with nature, describing forests, water bodies, and hills as central not only to their livelihood but also to their cultural identity and spiritual beliefs. He praised tribal traditions for embodying the principle of “unity in diversity and diversity in unity.”
Shah urged tribal communities to preserve their faith and resist any form of conversion through force, fraud, or inducement. He drew parallels between certain tribal practices of nature worship and broader Indian civilisational values, referencing the Ramayana story of Lord Rama accepting Shabari’s offerings as a symbol of equality and oneness.
He described the massive gathering as a contemporary expression of unity and cultural assertion, likening it to a modern Ulgulan (revolution) that strengthens both tribal identity and the nation as a whole.
Efforts Towards Tribal Welfare and Development
The event also served as a platform to reflect on ongoing initiatives for tribal development. Discussions highlighted increased focus on tribal welfare, including higher budgetary allocations, preservation of land and forest rights, and measures to bring peace to previously affected regions by addressing long-standing challenges like Naxalism.
Birsa Munda’s legacy of resistance against colonial rule and his efforts to protect tribal rights, land, and culture were remembered with reverence throughout the programme, which featured vibrant cultural performances and folk traditions.
Broader Context of the Uniform Civil Code
The Uniform Civil Code, mentioned as a directive principle in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, aims to provide a common set of laws for matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across different communities. Implementation approaches have consistently considered exemptions for tribal groups, particularly in areas governed by the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, to respect their customary laws and autonomy.
Shah’s clarification is seen as an important step in addressing apprehensions and promoting informed dialogue on the subject.
The MGMM Outlook
The assurance by Amit Shah that the Uniform Civil Code will not apply to tribal communities sends a strong message about balancing national reform with constitutional sensitivity. By explicitly safeguarding tribal customs, traditions, and personal laws, the government has sought to address long-standing concerns among indigenous communities while reinforcing that legal modernization need not come at the cost of cultural identity. This clarification also underlines the importance of recognizing India’s tribal heritage as an integral part of the nation’s civilisational fabric.
At the same time, the emphasis on tribal welfare, cultural preservation, and inclusive development reflects a broader effort to strengthen trust between the state and historically marginalized communities. By linking constitutional values with respect for traditional rights and autonomy, the government appears to be framing development not as assimilation, but as empowerment—where tribal communities can preserve their distinct identity while participating fully in the country’s progress.
(Sources: OpIndia, Hindustan Times, New Indian Express)
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