PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Over 1.5 lakh applications have been received under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in a four-month period in Uttarakhand. Participating in the National Democratic Alliance Chief Ministers’ Conclave chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Sunday, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said this while presenting details of the UCC implementation in the State.
Dhami informed that a robust system has been developed to implement the UCC. To make the process more accessible and user-friendly for the general public, a dedicated portal and mobile app have also been developed. Additionally, more than 14,000 Common Service Centers (CSCs) at the village level have been integrated with the system. The CM shared that to address issues arising during registration, auto-escalation and grievance redressal systems have been put in place. Due to extensive digital and physical networking, more than 1.5 lakh applications have been received from across the State in a four-month period. Furthermore, applications have been received from nearly 98 per cent of villages, indicating widespread public support for the UCC.
CM Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home minister Amit Shah for their guidance and support in successfully implementing the UCC. He said that under the leadership and vision of the Prime Minister, a promise was made in the BJP’s 2022 Assembly election manifesto that the UCC would be implemented in Uttarakhand if given a mandate. After securing victory, work on implementing the UCC began on day one. A draft of the UCC bill was prepared after the formation of a committee on May 27 2022, chaired by retired Justice Ranjana Desai. The committee conducted extensive public consultations in all 13 districts of Uttarakhand, receiving about 2.32 lakh suggestions. It consulted not only the general public but also leaders of all political parties and heads of various statutory commissions.
The State government passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly on February 7, 2024 and forwarded it to the President Droupadi Murmu whot gave her assent on March 11, 2024. After completing the required rules and procedures, the UCC was formally implemented across Uttarakhand on January 27, 2025 making it the first State to practically implement the spirit of Article 44 of the Constitution through the Uniform Civil Code.
The CM further said that the UCC is a constitutional measure to eliminate legal discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, etc. It aims to ensure equal rights for all citizens. The UCC completely prohibits regressive practices such as halala, iddat, polygamy, child marriage and triple talaq. He clarified that the UCC is not against any religion or sect; rather, it is a legal step to eradicate social evils and establish harmony through equality among all citizens. This vision was also envisaged by the nation’s Constitution-makers and included among the Directive Principles of State Policy. The UCC does not alter the core beliefs or practices of any religion; it only removes regressive customs. Under the UCC, a uniform legal process has been established for all religions in matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance. From now on, couples will be required to follow the judicial procedure for divorce, and polygamy has been completely banned.
Under these laws, daughters have been given equal inheritance rights across all religions and communities. There is also no discrimination among children in matters of inheritance, whether they are born of natural relationships, assisted reproductive methods, or live-in relationships—they will have equal rights. Parents have also been granted rights in the property of their children, ensuring economic security and dignified living for the elderly.
Considering the current situation, to ensure the safety of the younger generation, particularly young men and women, and to protect them from potential social complications and crimes, registration of live-in relationships has been made mandatory. The registrar will inform the parents or guardians of the couple registering, and this information will be kept completely confidential. Like the registration of births and deaths, registration of marriages and divorces will also be facilitated under the UCC. Along with the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, a clear and effective set of rules for its enforcement has also been brought into effect, Dhami added.
