Uttarakhand is poised to make history as it becomes the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The landmark legislation will be officially unveiled on Monday, January 27, at 12:30 pm, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state. This monumental step will apply to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Determination For UCC
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will preside over the event at the state secretariat, where the UCC portal will also be launched. Speaking about the significance of the move, Dhami emphasized that the UCC would pave the way for a harmonious society free from discrimination based on religion, gender, caste or community. “We are fulfilling our commitments. The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was an example. Today, the Indian republic stands stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Dhami stated.
The decision to implement the UCC follows months of preparation and deliberation. Dhami announced last month that the code would take effect in January 2025, signalling the government’s readiness to bring about this sweeping reform. The development comes after Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the UCC, describing it as a cornerstone for a truly secular civil code.
The UCC ensures major societal reforms, including equal property rights for sons and daughters, a prohibition on polygamy and the mandatory registration of marriages, regardless of religious customs. It also abolishes the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, granting equal rights to all children, whether biological, adopted or born via assisted reproductive technologies. Furthermore, the code guarantees equal property rights for spouses, children and parents after an individual’s death.
How It Began In Uttarakhand?
The groundwork for this reform began with the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2024, in the Uttarakhand Assembly last February. Despite opposition demands to refer the bill to a select committee, it was passed, reflecting the state government’s determination to advance its reform agenda. In March 2024, President Droupadi Murmu gave her consent, making the bill a law.
Highlighting the benefits of the UCC, Chief Minister Dhami stated that it would eliminate longstanding inequalities, particularly those affecting women, in areas such as marriage, inheritance and divorce. “The UCC is a step towards ensuring equality for all and removing discrimination against women,” he said.
As Uttarakhand becomes the first state to implement the UCC, it sets a precedent for the nation, reflecting the Modi government’s vision of a unified and equitable legal framework for all citizens.
