The Uttarakhand government has embarked on a significant legislative endeavour by resolving to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. A draft proposal has already been submitted for governmental consideration, marking a pivotal step towards uniformity in civil laws.
Recently, the report of the UCC panel’s comprehensive study was publicly disclosed, shedding light on critical demographic trends and societal dynamics within the state. The report underscores a notable migration pattern from hilly regions to urban plains in Uttarakhand, accompanied by a rapid urbanisation trend. This demographic shift is not solely Indigenous but also propelled by inflows of migrants from neighbouring states.
Of particular significance is the demographic growth among Muslim and Christian communities, surpassing that of Hindus and Sikhs by more than twofold. The report highlights that urban areas have witnessed a substantial increase in population, contrasting with a decline in hilly districts such as Almora and Garhwal.
Chapter 2 of the report details a staggering ‘30.23 per cent increase in urban population’ during the 2001-2011 period, primarily attributed to migration. Conversely, hilly districts reported a complete demographic decline. Additionally, the panel notes a nearly 30 per cent rapid growth in voter numbers in plains areas over the last decade, reflecting heightened migration dynamics.
Furthermore, the report underscores the concentration of religious minority groups in the plains, with significant communities observed in districts like Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, where Muslims comprise 34.3 per cent and 22.6 per cent of the population, respectively. Sikhs constitute approximately ten per cent of Udham Singh Nagar’s residents.
In terms of annual average population growth rates, Muslims and Christians have recorded rates exceeding 3.9 per cent, outpacing Sikhs (1.15 per cent) and Hindus (1.60 per cent) during the 2001-2011 decade. Conversely, the Jain community has seen a decline in its total population during this period.
The panel’s recommendations reveal overwhelming support for the UCC in hilly areas, with 98 per cent in favour and a mere 2 per cent opposed. In contrast, plains regions exhibit more mixed sentiments, with only 38 per cent in favour and 62 per cent opposed. Personal visits by the panel to these areas reaffirmed strong local endorsements, with 99 per cent support from hilly regions and 92% from plains areas.
Looking ahead, the UCC is slated for implementation in Uttarakhand from October onwards. While key excerpts of the report were previously released, the full document is now accessible to the public via the official state website.
The formulation of the UCC draft commenced on May 27, 2022, under the guidance of a five-member committee chaired by retired Justice Ranjana Desai. The committee engaged with extensive public discourse, collecting recommendations from 2.33 lakh individuals through 43 dialogue programs and various mediums. On February 2, 2024, the committee submitted its comprehensive UCC report to the government.
Following its submission, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the UCC draft in the Assembly on February 7, where it received unanimous approval through a voice vote. With this legislative milestone, Uttarakhand becomes the pioneering state in India to implement the UCC. Subsequently, the bill was forwarded for presidential assent and was formally approved by President Draupadi Murmu on March 11.
Chief Minister Dhami has announced the UCC’s official implementation in Uttarakhand, commencing this October, thereby setting a precedent in India’s legal and demographic landscape.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards legal uniformity amidst evolving demographic patterns, aiming to harmonise civil laws and uphold constitutional principles across Uttarakhand’s diverse communities.
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