Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 8: The Committee constituted by the Government of Uttarakhand to examine various issues relating to implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the State has invited suggestions from the residents of Uttarakhand.
In a brief function organized in the auditorium of Raj Bhavan, the Committee’s Chairperson Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai launched a web portal (www.ucc.uk.gov.in) of the Committee through which residents of Uttarakhand can directly upload their suggestions. They can also send their suggestions through email (official-ucc@uk.gov.in) or by post (The Expert Committee on UCC, State Guest Home (Annexe), adjoining Raj Bhavan, Dehradun-248001.
Speaking at a brief function, she outlined the contours of the work that the State Government has assigned to the Committee. Apart from examining the relevant laws regulating personal civil matters of residents of Uttarakhand and preparing draft law/laws or suggesting changes in the existing laws pertaining to personal civil matters such as marriage, divorce, property rights, succession/inheritance, adoption, maintenance, custody and guardianship, the Committee would also be preparing a report on implementing a Uniform Civil Code in the State of Uttarakhand.
Justice Desai stated that the Committee is aware that it is working on a subject that not only impinges on each and every resident of Uttarakhand but is also highly sensitive.
Presently the Committee is examining the relevant statutes that are quite diverse and differentiated in their approach. In addition, there are community based customs and usage that need careful consideration. To the extent possible, the Committee would endeavour to bring in gender equality in personal civil matters.
She exhorted and appealed to the residents of Uttarakhand and to the various Government as well as non-government organizations to come forward and put forth their views, suggestions and opinions to help the Committee understand and appreciate the various dimensions and facets of issues that are relevant. She stated that the Committee values such inputs and would encourage people to freely contribute to the efforts of the Committee. The Chairperson informed that with a view to reaching out to all the residents of Uttarakhand, nearly one crore SMS and WhatsApp messages have been sent today requesting for inputs.
Earlier, the Committee members called on the Governor, Uttarakhand and apprised him of the work being done by the committee. The Governor evinced keen interest in the subject and hoped that the Committee’s work would pave the way for bringing about meaningful changes in the statutory provisions regarding personal civil matters.
Later, the Committee members also called on the Chief Minister to understand his perspective on the subject.
The Chief Minister stressed on the importance of Committee’s work and the possibility of its long-lasting impact on our social matrix and hoped that the Committee would be able to complete the task quickly.
Apart from the Chairperson, the other members Justice (Retd) Permod Kohli, Shatrughna Singh (IAS-Retd), Manu Gaur (Social Worker), Surekha Dangwal (VC-Doon University) and Ajay Mishra (ARC, GoUK) were also present in the meetings.
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