First Cabinet meet of Uttarakhand Govt: Dhami keeps poll promise on UCC, to form expert panel soon

On the last day of poll campaign in Uttarakhand, incumbent CM Dhami had announced forming a committee of experts to form a UCC draft for Uttarakhand. Talking to a news agency, Dhami had then said that the UCC would provide for equal laws on subjects such as marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance issues for people, irrespective of their faith and religion.

“The security of cultural and religious heritage of Uttarakhand, security of its environment and its borders is important not just for the state but the entire country. With that, soon after our oath-taking ceremony, the upcoming BJP government will form a committee of those with knowledge of the legal system, retired employees, prominent people from society, and other stakeholders. This committee will prepare a draft of the UCC for the people of Uttarakhand. This UCC will be for equal laws on subjects such as marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance issues for people of all religions,” Dhami had said.

“The UCC will be an important step towards fulfilling the dream of our Constitution creators and solidifying the spirit of the Constitution. This will also be an effective step towards Article 44 of the Constitution, which talks about securing a UCC for every citizen of the country. The apex court, too, has time to time not only emphasised its implementation, but also expressed dissatisfaction over not taking any step in this direction,” he added.

Dhami said with the implementation of the UCC at the earliest, residents of the state would get equal rights and this would increase social harmony, gender justice and women empowerment. “Along with this, the immense spiritual and cultural recognition of Devbhoomi will also be increased while keeping the environment secured. The UCC of Uttarakhand will also act as an example for other states,” he said.

On March 10, after the BJP’s victory in the state, Dhami said his promise of forming a committee of experts to form a UCC draft for Uttarakhand would be implemented soon after the BJP government took oath in the state. On Wednesday, Dhami and eight Cabinet ministers took oath at an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders.