Uttarakhand is set to make history by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). After over two and a half years of meticulous preparations, the much-anticipated UCC will come into effect today. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will inaugurate the UCC portal and release its detailed guidelines at the Chief Sevak Sadan.
This landmark initiative, aimed at unifying personal laws for all citizens regardless of religion or gender, underscores Uttarakhand’s commitment to equality and justice.
Key Milestones in Implementing the UCC in Uttarakhand
The journey to implementing the UCC has been comprehensive and strategic. Here’s a timeline of its major milestones:
- Formation of the Expert Committee:
On May 27, 2022, an expert committee was established to study and draft the UCC. The committee submitted its detailed report to the government on February 2, 2024. - Legislative Approval:
The UCC bill was passed in the Uttarakhand Assembly on March 8, 2024, after which it was sent to the President for approval. The President granted assent to the act on March 12, 2024. - Technological Framework:
Advanced technology-based systems were developed for the implementation of the UCC. Online portals for citizens and officials were created to facilitate processes such as registration of marriages, divorces, live-in partnerships, separations, and inheritance. - Final Preparations:
- On January 20, 2025, the UCC guidelines were finalized and approved by the cabinet.
- Mock drills for the registration portal were conducted, and issues encountered during testing were resolved.
Features of the UCC Portal and Guidelines
The UCC portal is designed to simplify and standardize various legal processes for citizens. Key features include:
- Online Registration:
Citizens can register marriages, divorces, live-in relationships, separations, and inheritance online. - User-Friendly Interface:
The portal is accessible to both citizens and officials, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the implementation of UCC. - Streamlined Legal Framework:
The guidelines provide clarity on personal laws and address issues related to equality and uniformity.
Steps Taken to Finalize the UCC
The UCC implementation involved extensive stakeholder engagement and rigorous analysis. Here are some of the highlights:
- Stakeholder Meetings: 43 meetings with key stakeholders.
- In-Depth Discussions: 72 focused discussions to analyze the implications of UCC.
- Public Engagement:
- 49 lakh SMS responses.
- 29 lakh WhatsApp messages.
- 2.33 lakh citizen suggestions.
- Suggestions received through postal mail (36,000), portals (61,000), and emails (24,000).
- Global Case Studies:
The committee studied the UCC frameworks of countries like Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nepal, France, Azerbaijan, Germany, Japan, and Canada.
Significance of Uniform Civil Code Implementation in Uttarakhand
The implementation of the UCC marks a significant step towards creating a uniform legal framework for all citizens. It addresses key issues like:
- Promoting gender equality and removing discriminatory practices in personal laws.
- Simplifying legal processes related to marriages, divorces, and inheritance.
- Strengthening the rule of law by ensuring uniformity in civil codes across communities.
Inauguration Details
- Date & Time: January 25, 2025, at 12:30 PM.
- Venue: Chief Sevak Sadan, Dehradun.
- Event Highlights:
- Launch of the UCC portal.
- Release of detailed UCC guidelines.
- Official commencement of UCC in Uttarakhand.
Conclusion
With the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand sets an example for other states by embracing progressive reforms in personal laws. This historic step reflects the state’s vision for equality, justice, and inclusivity in a diverse nation like India.
Stay tuned for further updates on this monumental development!
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