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The Uttarakhand government is considering the convening of a special session of the Assembly to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and a bill proposing 10% reservation for statehood activists in government jobs. The expert committee on UCC, led by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is expected to submit its report to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami post-Deepawali.
Established on May 27, 2022, the UCC committee, including Justice (retd) Pramod Kohli, social worker Manu Gaur, former chief secretary Shatrughna Singh, and Doon University Vice-Chancellor Surekha Dangwal, is tasked with reviewing existing laws related to marriage, divorce, property rights, inheritance, and adoption for UCC implementation in the state. The committee has actively sought input from diverse sections of society, compiling over 1.5 lakh suggestions and engaging in discussions with various religious, community, and stakeholder groups.
Chief Minister Dhami, during the 2022 Assembly election campaign, pledged to introduce a UCC in Uttarakhand. Shortly after assuming office, the BJP government made the decision to form the expert committee. CM Dhami has expressed a commitment to implementing the UCC before the year’s end.
In addition to the UCC, the government may also present the bill for 10% reservations in government jobs for statehood activists. Initially tabled during the monsoon session, the bill was referred to the Assembly’s select committee, chaired by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prem Chand Agarwal. The committee has since submitted its report to Speaker Ritu Khanduri.
As Uttarakhand anticipates significant legislative developments, the proposed special session holds the promise of addressing key issues related to civil code reform and equitable opportunities for statehood activists in government employment.
