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.

The post Uttarakhand Becomes the First State to Implement Uniform Civil Code, Bringing Uniformity in Personal Laws appeared first on FolksTimes.

This shift is not just about athletic achievement; it’s about inspiring future generations to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle and contribute to the preservation of our planet. The Green Games concept embodies the spirit of “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” (From Resolution to Pinnacle), symbolizing the journey towards excellence through sustainable practices. By blending world-class sports with environmental consciousness, Uttarakhand is setting a new benchmark in organizing large-scale events with a focus on sustainability.

Several eco-friendly initiatives are being introduced to make this edition of the National Games stand out. To curb pollution, only certified green fireworks will be used during celebrations. In a creative display of upcycling, the event’s decorations and selfie points are made from e-waste and discarded sports equipment. At select venues, solar-powered heating systems are being employed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize carbon footprints.

Further emphasizing sustainability, the medals and certificates awarded to athletes will be made from biodegradable and eco-friendly materials. The event’s trophies will be crafted from e-waste and wood waste, further promoting environmental responsibility. Instead of plastic, cloth-based materials have been used for branding to help reduce plastic waste.

Electric vehicles will transport players and officials between locations, cutting down on emissions. A significant environmental milestone will be the creation of “Khel Van” (Sport Forest), a park where 10,000 trees will be planted. For every medal won by an athlete, a tree will be planted in their name, symbolizing the link between achievement and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will harness solar energy with a 2 MW rooftop solar installation, helping to power the stadium with clean, renewable energy.

Uttarakhand, with its rich natural resources and unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, is providing a stellar example of how large-scale events can be held responsibly. As the 38th National Games unfold, the state will not only celebrate sporting excellence but also champion sustainable development. The Green Games serve as an inspiring reminder of the potential for sports to lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Scheduled to take place from January 28 to February 14, the National Games will feature 32 sporting disciplines and four demonstration events, bringing together athletes from across India. This exciting multi-sport event follows the successful editions hosted by Goa in 2023 and Gujarat in 2022. As Uttarakhand embraces the fusion of athletics and environmental responsibility, the 38th National Games are set to be a landmark moment in the history of sports in India.

The post Uttarakhand’s Green Revolution: The 38th National Games Championing Sustainability appeared first on FolksTimes.

As of December 30, a total of 15,314 pilgrims have completed the pilgrimage to these holy sites. The surge in the number of devotees highlights the increasing enthusiasm for the Winter Chardham Yatra. According to the latest data from the state government, the distribution of pilgrims across the four shrines is as follows:

• 6,482 pilgrims have visited Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which serves as the winter abode of Baba Kedarnath.
• 5,104 pilgrims have visited Lord Badrivishal at Pandukeshwar.
• 3,114 devotees have paid their respects to Mother Ganga at Mukhaba, the winter residence of Gangotri.
• 614 pilgrims have visited Mother Yamuna at Kharsali, the winter abode of Yamunotri.

The Winter Chardham Yatra continues to gain momentum, even amid the cold weather and snowfall, with the devotees remaining undeterred in their spiritual journey. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, officially inaugurated the Panchkedar Winter Yatra at Omkareshwar Temple on December 8. Despite the harsh winter conditions, there is a palpable sense of excitement among the devotees, who arrive daily to witness the palanquin of Baba Kedarnath and Lord Madmaheshwar, both seated at Omkareshwar Temple for the winter.

At Omkareshwar Temple, where the idols of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madmaheshwar remain for six months, hundreds of devotees gather each day to seek blessings. On Monday alone, 518 devotees had the privilege of seeing Baba Kedarnath, while 364 pilgrims visited Lord Badrivishal in Pandukeshwar. Additionally, 18 pilgrims visited Mukhaba, and 8 pilgrims made their way to Kharsali.

The local administration has taken extensive measures to ensure the convenience and safety of the pilgrims, particularly by providing strong protection against the bitter cold.

Meanwhile, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, with the cooperation of the District Police Administration, has reported an all-time high in the number of pilgrims visiting the Dhams during the 2024 Yatra season. According to official figures, a record-breaking 30,87,417 pilgrims have visited Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams this year, marking a significant increase in the yatra’s popularity.

The exceptional turnout underscores the growing significance of the Chardham pilgrimage, even during the winter season, and highlights the unwavering faith of devotees who continue to flock to these revered shrines.

The post 15,314 Pilgrims Visit Winter Chardham Shrines Amid Unprecedented Rush appeared first on FolksTimes.