By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 18 Dec: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in Uttarakhand from January 2025. With all preparations now complete, Uttarakhand will become the first state to implement the UCC after India’s independence. The CM stated that the law, reflecting the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”, would provide a new direction to society, especially by empowering women and children in the state.
This statement was made by the CM during a meeting of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) at the Secretariat here today.
Dhami observed that the state government has completed its groundwork for implementing the UCC. Following the formation of the government in March 2022, the cabinet resolved in its very first meeting to establish an expert committee on drafting the UCC.
A five-member expert committee, chaired by Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai, was subsequently formed. Based on the committee’s report, the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on 7 February 2024. After receiving presidential assent, the bill was notified on 12 March 2024. The rules for the UCC Uttarakhand Act, 2024, have since been finalised, paving the way for its implementation from January 2025.
The CM also directed officials to ensure comprehensive training for personnel tasked with implementing the code and to provide necessary infrastructure for its effective implementation. He also stressed the importance of making services accessible online to facilitate ease of use for the public.
To enhance convenience for the citizens, a dedicated portal and mobile app have been developed, offering services such as registration and appeals through an online platform. The state government’s efforts aim is to ensure smooth implementation of the UCC and maximise its benefits for all sections of society.
It may be reminded, here, that while the rules had been finalised some months ago regarding the UCC, the training of officials delayed the implementation somewhat.
It may also be recalled that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had in Parliament mentioned the UCC being implemented by Uttarakhand, yesterday, and had also indicated nationwide implementation of the UCC in due course.
