Gandhinagar, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Gujarat government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has constituted a five-member committee to evaluate the necessity of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and draft a corresponding bill. The committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai.
Announcing the decision at a press conference, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the committee has been given a 45-day timeline to submit its report, following which the government will decide on the implementation of the UCC.
"The committee will assess the requirement for a Uniform Civil Code and prepare a draft bill accordingly. It will also engage with religious leaders, including representatives from the Muslim community, to gather inputs," CM Patel said.
Committee Composition and Objectives
The panel includes retired IAS officer C.L. Meena, advocate R.C. Kodekar, former vice chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff. Their primary task will be to examine various aspects of the UCC and incorporate the perspectives of people from different sections of society.Gujarat’s move follows the footsteps of BJP-ruled Uttarakhand, which has already implemented the UCC. CM Patel reaffirmed the state's commitment to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of nationwide UCC implementation.
Government's Perspective on UCC
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi emphasized that the UCC, if implemented, will safeguard the rights of tribal communities. Citing the Uttarakhand model, he highlighted that the code would ensure the protection of tribal customs and traditions."The Uttarakhand UCC has set an example for the nation by preserving tribal customs. Our Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also assured in Jharkhand that the UCC will uphold tribal traditions," Sanghavi said.
The committee is expected to hold consultations with religious leaders from various communities before finalizing its recommendations. Once the report is reviewed, the Gujarat government will take an "appropriate decision" regarding the UCC’s implementation.
This development marks another significant step in the BJP’s ongoing push for a Uniform Civil Code across the country.
