PM launches projects worth ₹8,140 crore, says the State can become ‘spiritual capital of the world’, lauds Pushkar Singh Dhami government for bringing Uniform Civil Code, anti-conversion law
Key Highlights
1. Large-scale Infrastructure Push
- PM launched and inaugurated ₹8,140 crore worth of projects.
- Projects worth ₹22 lakh crore are currently ongoing in the State (long-term infrastructure pipeline).
- Focus sectors include:
- Roads and highways (e.g., Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project, Chardham road connectivity).
- Ropeways to pilgrimage sites.
- Water supply and irrigation systems.
- Town redevelopment and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
2. Promotion of Spiritual & Pilgrimage Tourism
- Rise in pilgrim footfall is driving service economy and rural employment.
- PM stated Uttarakhand can become the “Spiritual Capital of the World.”
- Film tourism is increasing, with the Himalayas emerging as a “destination for weddings and documentary shoots.”
3. Cultural Identity & Local Participation
- Emphasis on Pahari culture, food, music, and local traditions.
- Recognition of sacrifices of soldiers from the region, reinforcing cultural respect and emotional connect.
Uttarakhand UCC: Key Highlights
1. Applicability and Scope
- Applicable to all residents of Uttarakhand, except Scheduled Tribes protected under Part XXI of the Constitution.
- Covers marriage, live-in relationships, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and succession.
2. Marriage and Live-in Relationship Regulations
- Mandatory registration of marriages within 60 days.
- Live-in relationships must be registered within one month of cohabitation.
- Children born out of void or voidable marriages and live-in relationships receive legal recognition, protecting their inheritance and identity rights.
- The Code currently excludes the LGBTQIA+ community from marriage and partnership provisions.
3. Ban on Discriminatory Practices
- Explicitly prohibits bigamy and polygamy.
- Bans nikah-halala and instant triple talaq, strengthening women’s protection.
4. Equal Inheritance Rights
- Sons and daughters receive equal property inheritance, ending gender-based discrimination.
- Moves away from the traditional coparcenary system towards uniform intestate succession.
What is a UCC?
A Uniform Civil Code seeks one common personal law for citizens irrespective of religion in matters like:
- Marriage & divorce
- Maintenance
- Adoption
- Inheritance & succession
Current Personal Laws in India
Community | Governing Law |
Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists | Hindu Succession Act, 1956 |
Muslims | Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) |
Christians, Parsis, Jews | Indian Succession Act, 1925 |
All Inter-faith Marriages | Special Marriage Act, 1954 |
Landmark Judgments on UCC
- Shah Bano Case (1985): Highlighted need for a gender-just civil law.
- Sarla Mudgal (1995): Urged UCC for preventing polygamy via religious conversion.
- Paulo Coutinho (2019): SC reiterated need for uniformity in civil laws.
- Law Commission (2018): Suggested reform of personal laws, not immediate UCC.
Arguments Supporting UCC
- Ensures Gender Equality by removing discriminatory religious practices.
- Promotes National Unity through common citizenship.
- Strengthens Secularism by separating religion from civil matters.
- Simplifies Legal Processes, making justice more accessible.
Arguments Against UCC
- Threat to cultural diversity and religious autonomy under Article 25.
- Lack of social consensus may lead to unrest.
- Concerns of central interference in personal laws and federal structure.
Way Forward
- Inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue with religious and tribal groups.
- Gradual harmonization of personal laws instead of immediate uniformity.
- Public awareness campaigns to clarify misconceptions.
- Implement in phased manner, ensuring justice, equality, and non-discrimination remain primary.
This topic is available in detail on our main website.
