Implementing Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand at the earliest will boost equal rights for everyone in the state, chief minister Pushkar S Dhami said today. As soon as the new BJP government is formed, it will form a committee to prepare a draft of UCC in the state, he told news agency ANI. This UCC will provide for the same laws regarding marriages, divorce, land-property and inheritance for all people, irrespective of their faith, he added.Mr Dhami claimed that the law will enhance social harmony, boost gender justice, strengthen women empowerment and help protect the “extraordinary cultural-spiritual identity and environment of the state”.
“The announcement I am going to make is a resolution of my party and will be fulfilled as soon as the new BJP government is formed. To keep the culture and heritage of ‘Devbhoomi’ intact is our prime duty, we are committed to this,” Mr Dhami said at a press conference in Khatima, where he was campaigning. A Uniform Civil Code for the country has been part of BJP’s successive election manifestos. In June 2016, the Law Ministry had asked the 21st law panel to examine matters in relation to uniform civil code. However, the term of the 21st Law Commission ended on August 31, 2018. “The matter may be taken up by the 22nd Law Commission of India,” Law Minister Kiren Rijiju had said.
