First in India: Uttarakhand to launch Uniform Civil Code at 12:30 pm today

Uttarakhand is set to become the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Monday, marking a major milestone despite opposition from some political parties and religious groups. The portal for the UCC will be launched at 12:30 pm at the state secretariat.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that all preparations for the UCC’s rollout have been completed, including the approval of the necessary rules and the training of officials. In a statement, Dhami stressed that the UCC will lay the foundation for a more harmonious society, free from discrimination based on religion, gender, caste, or community.

"We are fulfilling our commitments. The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was an instance of it. The Indian republic stands firmly today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Dhami said. The announcement came on the eve of Republic Day, when CM hoisted the national flag at the state party office.

The UCC, which was part of the BJP's 2022 election campaign in Uttarakhand, will now be fully implemented, fulfilling a key commitment made to the state's people. Dhami reiterated that this move aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of building a harmonious India.

The UCC will begin in Uttarakhand, which is known as the source of several great rivers of India, Dhami said. "Just as the Gangotri of these rivers flows to the rest of the country, the 'Gangotri of UCC' will now begin here and spread across India."

Additionally, Dhami thanked the state's people for their support in the recent urban local body elections, where the BJP won 10 out of 11 mayoral seats. "I thank people for voting in favour of a triple engine government to pace up development. It is now our collective responsibility to execute our development model on the ground," he added.