Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code: A New Era of Equality
Introduction of the UCC
In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, the Chairman of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Shatrughan Singh, handed over the final report to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. This event marks a significant step in the state’s legislative journey.
Government’s Commitment
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the introduction of the UCC was a priority for the government. He credited the people of Uttarakhand for their support, which enabled the government to fulfill this promise.
Formation and Approval
A committee led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai was responsible for drafting the UCC report. The bill was passed in the Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024, and received presidential approval on March 12, 2024, becoming an official act.
Key Features of the UCC
The UCC manual, prepared by Shatrughan Singh and his team, includes four sections: marriage and divorce, live-in relationships, birth and death registrations, and succession. A mobile app has been developed to assist people with their queries.
Equality for All
Chief Minister Dhami clarified that the UCC is designed for the benefit of all citizens, ensuring equal laws for everyone. The act includes provisions such as mandatory registration of live-in relationships, a ban on child marriage, and equal property rights for women.
Implementation
Shatrughan Singh stated that the committee’s work is complete, and the implementation now depends on the state government and the Rajya Sabha.
Doubts Revealed
Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and pilgrimage sites.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in an Indian state.
Pushkar Singh Dhami -: Pushkar Singh Dhami is the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, responsible for leading the state government.
UCC -: UCC stands for Uniform Civil Code, which is a set of laws that apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their religion, in matters like marriage and divorce.
Shatrughan Singh -: Shatrughan Singh is the chairman responsible for preparing the final report on the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand.
Legislative Assembly -: The Legislative Assembly is a group of elected representatives in a state who make laws and decisions for the state.
Act -: An act is a law that has been officially approved and is now in effect.
Mobile app -: A mobile app is a software application designed to run on smartphones and tablets, used here to help people ask questions about the UCC.