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Once it’s rolled out, Uttarakhand will become the first state to implement a uniform civil code
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. File photo/PTI
The people of India have been waiting for a uniform civil code since the country’s independence, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told CNN-News18 on Friday.
“We promised this to the people of Uttarakhand in the 2022 polls. And with the formation of our government, we formed the committee,” he said, adding that “good news will come this month”.
Once it’s rolled out, Uttarakhand will become the first state to implement the UCC.
2.35 lakh people gave suggestions, and all stakeholders were consulted, the CM said.
“There are many departments involved. This was our promise to the people of Devbhoomi,” he said. “Every citizen in Uttarakhand will have the same law now.”
A five-member expert panel was formed to frame a report, led by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, and based on this, the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2024, was passed in the assembly on February 7, 2024. The Act was notified on March 12, 2024, after assent from the President.
“When we passed it in the assembly, everyone in the state celebrated,” Dhami told CNN-News18. “We have made all the preparations; we are ready…That is why it has taken this much time.”
A cabinet meeting was held on Monday at the state secretariat under the chairmanship of the chief minister, where the uniform civil code (UCC) manual was approved.
The approval follows a thorough scrutiny by the legislative department, which had already reviewed the manual.
“Ganga ji comes from Uttarakhand and gives jal jeevan to all, and I think UCC will also follow this route,” the CM told CNN-News18.
The UCC seeks to establish a set of uniform personal laws that apply to all citizens, regardless of religion, gender, or caste. This would cover aspects such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession.
“There are some wrong narratives being spread about the UCC that are not correct,” the chief minister said. “This will also bring women’s empowerment…50% of the population comprising women will get 100% benefit…Our committee met tribals too and they are happy with it but need some time to understand the impact.”
