Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the decision, highlighting that the UCC would bring uniformity in laws related to personal civil matters, which have often been seen as discriminatory based on various social identities. With the necessary preparations already completed, including the approval of the rules and training of officials, the state government is ready to enforce this legislation.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Dhami emphasized that the UCC’s implementation aligns with the vision of making India a developed, harmonious, and self-reliant nation, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, “The UCC will ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens, eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, or sex.”

This move is in line with the promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 assembly elections. Referring to Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which encourages the government to work toward a uniform civil code for all citizens, CM Dhami reiterated that the BJP had fulfilled its commitment to the people of Uttarakhand. The article, which forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, envisions a uniform civil code as a means to promote social justice and equality.

The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, will apply to all residents of the state, including those residing outside of Uttarakhand, with exceptions for Scheduled Tribes and other protected communities. Notably, the UCC introduces provisions for the creation and cancellation of wills and codicils (supplementary documents) under testamentary succession, offering a streamlined legal framework.

One of the significant changes under the new law is related to marriage regulations. Under the UCC, marriages can only take place between parties who are legally eligible. Both individuals must be mentally capable of giving legal consent, with the man needing to be at least 21 years old and the woman 18 years or older. Additionally, marriages are required to be registered within 60 days of solemnization, ensuring transparency and accountability.

For marriages that took place before March 26, 2010, or outside the state of Uttarakhand, couples who have been living together since that time and meet the legal eligibility criteria are encouraged (though not required) to register their marriage within six months of the law’s implementation. The registration process for marriages will be handled efficiently, with sub-registrars required to make decisions on applications within 15 days.

With Uttarakhand’s pioneering step towards implementing the UCC, the state has set a precedent that could pave the way for other states to follow suit. The move is seen as a landmark achievement in the pursuit of gender equality and social justice in India.

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The Importance of National Girl Child Day

The observance of National Girl Child Day began in 2008, under the initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Its core mission is to address the various issues and discrimination faced by girl children, from gender bias and lack of education to child marriage and female infanticide. In many parts of the world, girls still face systemic barriers that hinder their growth and limit their potential. National Girl Child Day seeks to promote gender equality and break down these barriers by encouraging dialogue, policy change, and social action.

This day is not just about raising awareness but also about action. It reminds society of the vital need to protect and support girls, as they are the future mothers, leaders, and change-makers of tomorrow.

Key Issues Facing Girl Children

1. Education: One of the most pressing issues faced by girls worldwide is access to education. Despite progress in recent years, millions of girls are still out of school, especially in rural and impoverished areas. National Girl Child Day stresses the importance of providing quality education to all girls, which empowers them to make informed decisions, become financially independent, and contribute to the economic development of their country.
2. Child Marriage: Child marriage remains a serious concern, particularly in developing countries. On National Girl Child Day, the focus is on combating this harmful practice that deprives girls of their childhood, education, and basic human rights. Encouraging community awareness and supporting laws that prevent child marriage are crucial steps toward eradicating this issue.
3. Health and Nutrition: Ensuring the health and well-being of girls is another major goal. In many areas, girls face inadequate access to healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation. This day brings attention to the importance of providing girls with the necessary resources to grow up healthy and strong.
4. Gender Bias and Discrimination: From a very young age, girls are often subjected to gender discrimination, whether it’s in the form of unequal treatment at home, limited access to resources, or societal expectations. National Girl Child Day calls for the end of such practices and advocates for equal opportunities for both girls and boys.

How We Can Make a Difference

The celebration of National Girl Child Day is not just a one-day affair; it serves as a catalyst for long-term change. Here are a few ways we can contribute to empowering girl children:

1. Support Education Initiatives: Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, supporting initiatives that provide education to girls can change lives. Schools, local NGOs, and government initiatives play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality for girls.
2. Advocate for Legal Protection: Supporting laws and policies that prevent child marriage, trafficking, and exploitation of girls is critical in creating a safe environment for them to grow and thrive. Advocating for stronger enforcement of these laws can help protect the rights of young girls.
3. Promote Gender Equality: In our own homes, schools, and workplaces, it’s important to practice and promote gender equality. Encouraging both girls and boys to dream big, pursue their passions, and challenge societal expectations can create a more inclusive and equal world.
4. Foster Positive Role Models: By uplifting female role models who have made significant strides in various fields such as science, politics, arts, and sports, we can inspire young girls to follow their dreams and show them what’s possible.

Conclusion

National Girl Child Day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize the well-being and rights of girls. Empowering a girl means empowering an entire community, and when girls are given the opportunities they deserve, the world becomes a better place for everyone. On this day, let’s celebrate the achievements of girls and commit to making the world a more just and equitable place for them to flourish.

It’s time to take a stand, make a change, and be the voice that shapes the future for every girl child.

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During his address, Jaishankar pointed out that women-led development had already been incorporated into India’s foreign policy. He emphasized the necessity of involving women in all societal spheres, which is central to India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation. He also noted that during India’s chairmanship of the G20 Summit, the country strongly advocated for the concept of women-led development, ensuring its inclusion in the G20’s conceptual framework. This advocacy was also highlighted during the Summit of the Future.

Jaishankar elaborated on India’s development cooperation with nations, particularly in the Global South, where the country engages in various projects and capacity-building efforts across 78 countries. He remarked that many of these initiatives focus on gender-sensitive issues, women’s equality, and opportunities, illustrating how these goals are deeply embedded within India’s foreign policy.

The External Affairs Minister also linked the advancement of women to the broader goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat, stressing that a modern, industrial, and tech-centric society could not overlook half of its talent. He emphasized the importance of addressing traditional and societal barriers to women’s participation in the economy and development.

Jaishankar further discussed the role of women role models, emphasizing the need to make these examples not just visible but also trends that can be internalized and replicated across society for broader transformational change.

In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar pointed out that while economic metrics such as GDP and infrastructure are often used to measure the progress of a nation, true development must also consider the human side of progress—an aspect that includes ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held annually, serves as a significant platform for the Indian government to engage with the global Indian diaspora. This year’s 18th edition, organized in collaboration with the Odisha state government, took place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10. The theme of this year’s convention, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” reflects India’s focus on leveraging the diaspora’s support in shaping the nation’s future. Over 50 countries are represented by diaspora members who have registered for the event, underscoring the global significance of the gathering.

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