Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that Uttarakhand is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) from January 2025. He highlighted that all necessary preparations have been completed, making Uttarakhand the state to implement the UCC after independence.
This announcement was made during a meeting of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) held at the state secretariat on Wednesday.
Government’s preparedness and commitment
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the state government has thoroughly prepared for the implementation of the UCC, in line with their resolution. He recalled that following the formation of the new government in March 2022, the first cabinet meeting resolved to form an expert committee to oversee the implementation of the UCC in the state. Subsequently, a five-member expert committee, chaired by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, was constituted.
Legislative and administrative process
Based on the committee’s report, the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was passed by the Uttarakhand State Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024. The bill then received the President’s assent, with its notification issued on March 12, 2024. Following this, the rules for the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand 2024 Act, were also prepared, paving the way for the full implementation of the UCC starting January 2025.
Implementation strategy
Chief Minister Dhami instructed officials to ensure proper training for personnel to implement the provisions of the UCC and to mobilize all necessary basic facilities. He stressed the importance of making services available online to ensure convenience for the general public. To facilitate this, a portal and a mobile app have been developed, providing facilities for registration, appeals, and other services through online platforms.
Impact and Vision
Chief Minister Dhami reiterated that the implementation of the UCC in January 2025 will be a significant milestone for Uttarakhand, following the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas” (Together with All, Development for All, and Trust of All). He expressed that this law would provide a new direction for society and open new doors for the empowerment of women and children in Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods). CM Dhami also highlighted that the UCC law would ensure a uniform legal framework for all citizens, irrespective of their religion or community. This move is expected to promote social harmony and equality, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive development and justice for all its residents.
Uttarakhand is poised to implement the Uniform Civil Code from January 2025, with comprehensive preparations and a clear vision for inclusive and equitable growth, said CM Pushkar Singh Dhami during the meeting.
