Uttarakhand to Implement Uniform Civil Code from January 2025: CM Dhami
Dehradun, Uttarakhand – December 18, 2024 – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that Uttarakhand will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting January 2025, making it the first state in India to do so post-independence. The state government has completed all necessary preparations to enforce this significant reform.
The announcement came during a meeting of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) at the Secretariat on Wednesday. CM Dhami expressed that the state government was fully prepared to roll out the UCC, fulfilling a key resolution passed earlier.
Reflecting on the decision, the Chief Minister noted that in the first cabinet meeting of the newly-formed government in March 2022, it was resolved to form an expert committee to study and recommend the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand. Following this, a five-member expert committee, led by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, was established to explore the matter. Based on their recommendations, the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024.
The bill later received assent from the President, with the notification issued on March 12, 2024. In preparation for its implementation, the state government also finalised the rules under the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand 2024 Act, ensuring a smooth transition for the law’s enforcement.
CM Dhami directed officials to ensure proper training for personnel responsible for the implementation of the UCC provisions and to provide all necessary facilities for its smooth rollout. Additionally, he stressed the importance of maximizing online services to facilitate public convenience.
To further ease the process, a dedicated portal and mobile app have been developed, enabling the public to access services like registration and appeals online.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the State Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in January 2025, underscoring that the law aligns with the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” and would usher in transformative changes for society. He highlighted that the UCC would particularly empower women and children in Uttarakhand, creating new opportunities for their growth and development.
