Uttarakhand Cabinet Approval To UCC Draft Paves Way For Its Tabling In Assembly Session

The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the UCC report in the cabinet meeting paving the way for formal presentation during the state assembly's special four-day session, set to commence on February 5.

File Photo of Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami ( Image Source :X/@pushkardhami )

 The Uttarakhand Cabinet on Sunday granted approval to the draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), paving the way for its presentation in the upcoming state Assembly session. The crucial decision unfolded during a cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence, presided over by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, news agency ANI reported. The report is likely to be tabled in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6, according to ANI.

The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the UCC report in the cabinet meeting being held at the Chief Minister's residence under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. pic.twitter.com/Zf1xysFMgq

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024

Speaking to ANI, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed, "During the cabinet meeting, today, the UCC report was approved. We will move forward in the direction to make it an Act."

#WATCH | Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "During the cabinet meeting, today, the UCC report was approved. We will move forward in the direction to make it an Act." https://t.co/NfyJL6yke9 pic.twitter.com/2rXGtcHWrm

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024

The important gathering at the CM residence auditorium marked a key step toward its introduction in the state assembly. 

#WATCH | The UCC report is being presented before the Cabinet in the cabinet meeting being held at the Chief Minister's residence under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. https://t.co/ahxVdybED4 pic.twitter.com/UqybgKdp57

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 4, 2024

The endorsement of the UCC draft by the cabinet holds particular importance, as it is a prerequisite for its formal presentation during the state assembly's special four-day session, set to commence on February 5.

The UCC drafting committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, submitted the comprehensive draft to Chief Minister Dhami on Friday. The proposed UCC aims to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws, applicable to all citizens regardless of their religious affiliation. If successfully implemented, Uttarakhand will become the first Indian state post-independence to embrace the UCC.

Sources have hinted at several aspects of the draft, indicating the inclusion of penalties of up to Rs 2500 or six months imprisonment for failing to register live-in relationships. Furthermore, the draft is expected to introduce stringent measures, with registrars obligated to inform parents about their children's cohabitation arrangements.

Earlier, Chief Minister Dhami expressed the government's commitment to fulfilling its promise to the people, stating, "We promised our people to bring the UCC in Uttarakhand before the Assembly goes into session. The rollout of the UCC will be in line with a resolution adopted by the BJP."

On Friday, he asserted that the UCC aligns with the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat.' The UCC drafting committee included retired justice Pramod Kohli, social activist Manu Gaur, former Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh, and Doon University Vice Chancellor Surekha Dangwal who were involved in shaping the draft.

Providing insights into the extensive process, Chief Minister Dhami disclosed that the draft report spans 740 pages across four volumes and incorporates suggestions from a staggering 2,33,000 people in the state. According to ANI, he emphasised the inclusive nature of the consultation process, stating, "A total of 2,33,000 people gave suggestions on it, which includes 10 per cent of families in Uttarakhand."

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