Rajasthan government to bring Uniform Civil Code, CM Sharma announces
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Tuesday announced that his government will introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party's long-standing poll promise. The announcement was made during a programme linked to the government's ‘Viksit Bharat-Viksit Rajasthan’ initiative, which aims to align the state’s development with the national vision of a developed India by 2047.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Sharma said that preparations for the UCC have begun, and the state government is working on a draft. He said the goal is to ensure equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion, gender, or community. The Chief Minister, however, did not provide a timeline for the implementation or details about the provisions of the proposed code.
The Uniform Civil Code is a proposal to replace the personal laws of different religious communities in India with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. It has been a part of the BJP's election manifestos for several years, including the recent assembly elections in Rajasthan.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of the UCC argue that it would uphold the constitutional principle of equality before law and promote national integration. They point to Article 44 of the Constitution, which states that the State shall endeavour to secure for citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. They also note that the Law Commission of India has previously sought public views on the matter.
Critics, on the other hand, have raised concerns about the timing and manner of its implementation. Some political parties and community leaders have said that a hasty move could undermine cultural diversity and create social tension. They argue that personal laws are deeply linked to religious practices and that any change requires broad consultation and consensus. Legal experts have also cautioned that the UCC must be carefully drafted to avoid constitutional challenges.
During the same event, the Chief Minister highlighted the expansion of Rajasthan's road network, stating that infrastructure development remains a key focus for his government. He said the state is committed to improving connectivity in rural and urban areas, which would boost economic activity. He also noted India's progress in economic and technological fields, attributing it to the policies of the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rajasthan becomes the second state after Uttarakhand to move towards implementing the UCC, which has been a contentious issue in Indian politics. Uttarakhand has already published its draft code, which is expected to be considered by its assembly soon. In Rajasthan, the government is expected to constitute a committee to examine the legal and practical aspects of the code.
The Chief Minister’s announcement comes months after the BJP's election victory in Rajasthan, where the party had promised to bring the UCC if voted to power. Political observers say the move is significant as it could set a precedent for other BJP-ruled states to follow. At the same time, they note that the success of the proposal will depend on the government’s ability to build consensus and address the concerns of all stakeholders.
The state government has not yet responded to questions about how it plans to reconcile the UCC with the existing personal laws of various communities. The government has also not clarified whether the code will apply to all citizens uniformly or if there will be exceptions for certain tribal and customary practices.
In his address, CM Sharma reiterated his commitment to the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, saying that Rajasthan is moving forward in the right direction. He urged citizens to contribute to the state's development, adding that the government is working on multiple fronts, including education, health, and infrastructure, to ensure inclusive growth.
