Gandhinagar: Gujarat has moved a step closer to implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the State. The State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi in a press conference today afternoon announced formation of a committee to draft the guidelines for UCC.

Former Justice (retired) of Supreme Court Ranjana Desai will lead the committee. Retired IAS CL Meena, Advocate RC Kodekar, former Vice Chancellor Dakshesh Thaker and social worker Geetaben Shroff will be the members of this committee. The committee will hand over its report to the State government within 45 days. The State govenrment will take appropriate decision based on this report.

Sanghavi replying the questions of media persons said that the committee will give hearing to views of various people representing all sections of the society.

It’s worth noting that another BJP ruled State Uttarakhand has recently become the first new state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Goa has UCC since beginning.

In October 2022, just before the State assembly elections, the Gujarat government had announced its plans to introduce a UCC by forming a committee for implementation of the same. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken a historic decision in the Cabinet meeting today – of forming a committee for implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state,” said Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi in his briefing after the State cabinet meeting in October 2022. The opposition parties had called it a gimmick.

The BJP had in its manifesto in 2022 elections had promised for complete implementation the Gujarat Uniform Civil Coade committe’s recommendations.

Official Press Release:

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel Announces Formation of A Five-Member Committee Led by Retired Supreme Court Judge Smt. Ranjana Desai to Examine the Need for a Uniform Civil Code in Gujarat and Draft the Law

Committee to Submit Report to The Government Within 45 Days

State Government Will Take Appropriate Decision After Receiving Committee’s Report: Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel

Uniform Civil Code to Protect Tribal Community’s Policies, Customs, and Laws: Minister of State for Home Shri Harsh Sanghavi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided to implement the Uniform Civil Code across the nation to ensure equal rights for all citizens. Aligning with this, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has announced the formation of a five-member committee to assess the necessity of a Uniform Civil Code in Gujarat, ensuring equal rights and privileges for all citizens in the state. The committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Smt. Ranjana Desai. Other members include retired senior IAS officer Shri C.L. Meena, advocate Shri R.C. Kodekar, former Vice Chancellor Shri Dakshesh Thakar, and social activist Ms Geetaben Shroff. The CM announced this decision in the presence of the Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Harsh Sanghavi.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel stated that this decision aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, and accordingly, Gujarat has formed a committee to assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code and draft the law for the state. The committee is expected to submit its report within 45 days, and the state government will take appropriate action based on its findings. Highlighting key achievements such as the abolition of Article 370, the One Nation One Election, the Nari Shakti Vandana Act, and the Triple Talaq Law, the Chief Minister restated that the government follows the principle of ‘Je Kahevu Te Karvu’ (Delivering on Commitments). Shri Bhupendra Patel reaffirmed that aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision, Gujarat remains dedicated to implementing the Uniform Civil Code. He also emphasized that the state has always supported the Prime Minister’s resolutions and is determined to see them fulfilled. The Chief Minister explained that, to this end, the state government has formed a committee to assess the need for the Uniform Civil Code and draft the law.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Harsh Sanghavi echoed the words of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, emphasizing that the Uniform Civil Code will protect the policies, rules, customs, and laws of the tribal community, ensuring that their rights and customs remain unaffected. Shri Harsh Sanghavi further assured that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, the state government is committed to advancing the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. Also present at the occasion were Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Shri Manoj Kumar Das, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Rawal, Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Shri Gothi, Statutory Affairs Secretary Shri Kamlesh Lala, and others.

 

DeshGujarat

🗃️ This story is from our archives and may contain outdated information.