New Delhi: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Sunday that the state will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before Foundation Day, November 9. The UCC Bill, introduced on February 6 and passed the following day during a special session of the Uttarakhand legislative assembly, marks a historic milestone for the state.Uniform Civil Code ExplainedThe UCC aims to establish uniform rules for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights, applying equally to all citizens regardless of religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This significant legislation seeks to ensure equality and uniformity in personal laws across the state.Governor and Presidential ApprovalOn February 29, Uttarakhand Governor Gurmit Singh referred the UCC Bill to President Droupadi Murmu for approval. The President approved the bill on March 13, making Uttarakhand the first state in India to implement the UCC.Provisions of the UCCThe UCC comprises 392 sections, divided into four parts and seven chapters. Key provisions include:- Equal rights for women in marriage, divorce, alimony, and inheritance.- Prohibition of certain relationships and polygamy.- Setting the marriageable age at 21 for men and 18 for women.- Mandatory registration of marriages.- Exemption of the states Scheduled Tribe population, which constitutes 2.89% of the population.- Penalties for not registering live-in relationships, including imprisonment for three months and a fine of ₹10,000 or both.Balancing Development and EnvironmentIn addition to discussing the UCC, CM Dhami highlighted efforts to balance development with environmental conservation. He emphasized the states progress towards the Gross Environment Product (GEP), reflecting Uttarakhands commitment to sustainable development.We are working towards balancing development and the environment. The state has made significant strides in the direction of Gross Environment Product (GEP), Dhami stated.
