Vice President Hails Uttarakhand for Implementing Uniform Civil Code, Calls for National Adoption.
New Delhi:
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today expressed immense pride and joy as Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), calling it a significant and auspicious moment for the nation. Speaking at the inaugural session of the fifth batch of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme, Dhankhar emphasized that this move marks a realization of the vision set forth by the framers of India’s Constitution, specifically in Article 44, which calls for a uniform civil code for all citizens.
He praised the government’s foresight and commitment, stating, “It is only a matter of time before the entire country adopts similar legislation.” The Vice President noted that the UCC is crucial for ensuring gender equality and social harmony, aligning with the constitutional ideals of justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of their personal laws.
Dhankhar further expressed concern over the political opposition to the UCC, asserting that criticism of the law is misguided, especially when it is rooted in the Constitutional vision. He condemned those who oppose the UCC for political gain, suggesting that such opposition undermines the nation’s values of nationalism and unity.
Addressing another pressing issue, Dhankhar highlighted the growing threat posed by illegal migration, which he described as a challenge to India’s sovereignty and security. “Millions of illegal migrants pose a significant threat to our democracy, societal harmony, and electoral system,” he said. He called for urgent action to address this issue, stressing that the delay in resolving the matter would only exacerbate the dangers to national security.
Reflecting on India’s impressive economic growth over the last decade, the Vice President noted that the country has witnessed unprecedented development, with significant improvements in infrastructure, technology, and access to basic amenities such as clean water, housing, and healthcare. He pointed out that this progress has fueled the aspirations of the people, particularly the youth, whose dreams and ambitions are rapidly expanding beyond traditional career paths.
Dhankhar also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives, especially the focus on aspirational districts, which have seen remarkable transformation under his leadership. He praised the efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable growth model, saying, “India is now the only nation that has experienced an enormous economic upsurge and exponential infrastructural growth in the past decade.”
In his address, the Vice President also reflected on the importance of dialogue and deliberation in resolving global challenges, drawing parallels between India’s constitutional debates and contemporary geopolitical issues. He emphasized that India’s success lies in its commitment to consensus-building and its ability to adapt and include diverse perspectives.
Dhankhar concluded his speech by referring to the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in drafting the Indian Constitution, particularly his opposition to the inclusion of Article 370, which he believed went against the spirit of India’s sovereignty. He remarked that had Dr. Ambedkar’s views prevailed, India would have avoided much of the turmoil caused by the special status accorded to Jammu & Kashmir.
The Vice President’s address today underscored his firm belief in India’s growth trajectory and his optimism for the future as the country continues to progress towards greater inclusivity, equality, and prosperity.
