DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government on Friday constituted a five-member committee to be led by a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai, to prepare a draft proposal for the implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the hill state. It will also include Justice Permod Kohli (retired), social activist Manu Gaur, former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh and vice-chancellor of Doon University Surekha Dangwal.
The panel has been tasked to conduct a wide range of consultations, check legal aspects and deliberate on amendments required in the law before handing over the draft proposal of the findings to the state government.
A notification on the draft panel and its approval by governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) was issued by additional chief secretary Radha Raturi on Friday evening. Soon after Friday's announcement, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "We had made a promise to the people of Uttarakhand before the state elections and the formation of this committee is an important move in that direction. The UCC will provide for the same laws regarding marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for all, irrespective of their faith. This will increase social harmony, promote gender justice and empower women."
The CM also said that other states should follow the template of UCC being implemented by the Uttarakhand government. Dhami pointed out that "in the first cabinet meeting after the swearing-in ceremony, the government on March 24 had passed a proposal to implement the UCC."
Citing the reasons behind the need for UCC, he said, "Uttarakhand is a vibrant state whose culture and heritage have been at the core of Indian civilisation for centuries. This is a 'Devbhoomi' for the people and the state has been a centre of knowledge and spirituality of our Vedas, Puranas and sages. People from all corners of the country come here with great faith and devotion. Therefore, it is important to protect the cultural and spiritual heritage." The chief minister further said that "protecting the cultural and spiritual heritage, preserving its environment and the borders are important for the state and the country."
