Dehradun: Uttarakhand has now become India’s first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made this historic announcement today, Monday, by launching an official portal. The date for implementing UCC, 27th January 2025, had already been fixed earlier. With this decision, Uttarakhand has set a new example, not only for the state but for the entire country.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Statement
While launching the portal, CM Dhami said, “Today is a historic day not just for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation. We have fulfilled the promise made to the public. This law is not against any religion, but it will ensure equal rights for women from all religions. UCC will empower women and put a complete stop to practices like Halala, polygamy, and child marriage.”
He further added that this law will bring uniformity in society and will guarantee equal rights and duties for every citizen. This law aims to remove discrimination based on caste, religion, and gender, and it will bring uniformity to all personal civil matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and more.
BJP’s Election Promise and Its Importance
In the 2022 assembly elections, the BJP made implementing UCC one of its key promises. During the campaign, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami assured people that if his government comes to power, UCC would be implemented. After assuming office, Dhami’s first cabinet meeting approved the proposal, and an expert committee was formed to draft the UCC law.
Expert Committee and Legislative Process
An expert committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, was formed to prepare the draft of the law. The committee conducted discussions with various communities and groups over the past 18 months and submitted its final report.
The report was presented to the state government on 2nd February 2024. Based on this report, the UCC bill was passed in a special session of the assembly on 7th February 2024. After a month, the bill received approval from the President of India on 12th March 2024.
Key Provisions of UCC
- Uniform Age for Marriage: A common minimum marriage age has been set for all religions.
- Divorce Procedures: Standardized divorce grounds and procedures have been established.
- Inheritance and Property Rights: Equal inheritance and property rights for all citizens, regardless of religion.
- Ban on Polygamy and Halala: Polygamy and Halala practices are now completely banned.
- Ban on Child Marriage: The law imposes a strict ban on child marriage.
Who Will Benefit from This Law?
This law will benefit those citizens who own registered agricultural land. It will apply to both men and women from all religions and communities. The law ensures that all Indian citizens will have the same rights and will promote unity and equality in society.
Public Welfare and Women’s Rights
By implementing UCC, Uttarakhand will empower women significantly. Women will have equal rights to property and a fair process in marriage, divorce, and other matters. This law aims to eliminate discrimination and bring justice to all citizens, especially women.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand has taken a historic step by implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has presented this law as a means to establish equality and justice in society. This move will not only ensure equal rights for all citizens but also promote harmony and unity. This is an important step forward for Uttarakhand and the country.