NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed Uttarakhand government for being the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of national games in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun, accompanied by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, PM said, “Yesterday, Uttarakhand became the state to implement the Uniform Civil Code…I congratulate the Uttarakhand Govt for this.” He added that the implementation will “strengthen the spirit of democracy”.
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Further drawing parallels between UCC and sports, PM added, “UCC has same team spirit as sports, discrimination against none.”
UCC prioritises safeguarding individual rights whilst establishing regulations for matrimonial matters, divorces, property succession and cohabitation arrangements, amongst other aspects within the state. This legislation, enacted in 2024, extends to all state inhabitants regardless of their religious affiliations, and explicitly prohibits multiple marriages and underage wedlock. However, the legislation excludes Scheduled Tribes designated under Constitutional Articles 342 and 366 (25), as well as individuals and communities protected under Part XXI. Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement this on Monday.
At the inauguration of the 38th National Games, Prime Minister Modi also reiterated his commitment to bringing the 2036 Olympics to India while addressing the gathered athletes and spectators. He officially declared the Games open after receiving the ceremonial flame and watching the athletes’ parade.
Highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building, Modi expressed his government’s focus on supporting and enhancing the capabilities of athletes. He described the National Games as a reflection of the country’s unity and diversity, calling it a “beautiful portrait of ‘Ek Bharat, Sreshth Bharat’.”
The Prime Minister also used the platform to share health advice, encouraging young people to adopt healthier lifestyles. He urged them to combat the growing problem of obesity by reducing oil consumption in their diets and incorporating regular exercise and walking into their routines.
The Games, being held across seven cities in Uttarakhand with Dehradun as the main venue, feature around 10,000 athletes competing across 32 disciplines for 450 gold, silver, and bronze medals. The event runs until February 14.