By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 22 Nov: While earlier, the government had been indicating implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand from 9 November onwards, some work still remains to be done before implementation. Now, sources have indicated that the UCC may get formally implemented in the state on the occasion of Makar Sankranti (14 January 2025). In order to implement the UCC, the government is continuously brainstorming on how to execute it effectively. The committee, formed under the chairmanship of former Chief Secretary Shatrughna Singh, is still in the process of providing comprehensive training to the officials responsible for the implementation of the new law.
Uttarakhand will be first state that will implement UCC in India. Brainstorming to frame the law and the rules has been ongoing for the past three years. It may be recalled that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had in 2022 declared that UCC will be brought in the state and had even made it into an election promise. After the assembly elections in 2022, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of retired Justice Ranjana Desai to draft the UCC. Based on the committee’s report, a bill was prepared and was passed in the state assembly. Subsequently, it was also approved by the Governor and then sent to the President for approval. Once the President accorded the approval, the Dhami Government, constituted another committee under the leadership of former Chief Secretary Shatrughna Singh to draft the rules and make recommendations. This report has since been submitted to the government.
The government has now entrusted the responsibility of training and creating public awareness to this committee. Preparations are currently underway to train police personnel, advocates, and other individuals from the social service sector about the UCC. It is learnt that the committee will organise a comprehensive district-wise training programme soon. An action plan has been prepared at various levels for this purpose. Not only this, an App has also been created for UCC, which will contain all relevant information, registration of subjects, report filing, etc. Training will be provided based on this App.
Since the Dhami government fought the last election on this issue, and more than two years have already passed since, it does not wish to delay the implementation further. However, as Uttarakhand is the first state to implement the UCC, the government is moving ahead very cautiously and carefully in this regard. The Government is also hoping that Uttarakhand will become an example for other states to follow. Earlier, the Dhami government had decided to implement it on 9 November, which is the State Formation Day, but because of some lack of preparations at the government level, the implementation date has had to be extended.
It may also be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also mentioned UCC in his message on the occasion of State Formation Day and had congratulated the people of the state and the Dhami government for this. Sources have claimed that the Pushkar Dhami government may implement it on the day of the state festival, Uttarayan, i.e., Makar Sankranti. Discussions are ongoing between the Shatrughna Singh Committee and the government in this regard. In all likelihood, the training work will be completed by the end of December.
