RAIPUR: In a major policy push, the Chhattisgarh cabinet on Wednesday decided to initiate the process for implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state by setting up a high-level committee to draft its framework.The decision, taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mahanadi Bhavan, authorised the CM to appoint members to the panel, which will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. The committee will seek suggestions from citizens, organisations and experts, and may invite feedback through a web portal before preparing a draft for legislative approval.
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At present, personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption vary across religions, leading to legal complexities.
The proposed UCC aims to bring uniformity and simplify legal processes while promoting social and gender equality, officials said. After the cabinet meeting, chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI, “The decision to initiate the process for UCC is an important step towards addressing long-standing questions of legal uniformity. For years, different personal laws have led to complexity and, in some cases, unequal outcomes.”
He said, “Guided by the spirit of Article 44 of the Constitution, our govt is ensuring that every citizen is treated equally before the law. The intent is not to override traditions, but to bring greater coherence to civil laws, particularly in areas where disparities have affected women and vulnerable sections. To take this forward, we have decided to constitute a high-level committee under a distinguished retired Supreme Court judge.
Our objective is to move towards a more transparent and equitable civil framework while maintaining social harmony. The process will remain consultative and lawful, and every stakeholder will have an opportunity to be heard as we take this reform forward.”Reacting to the move, State waqf board chairman Salim Raj termed it a step towards equality and national unity. He said supporting the UCC is the duty of every citizen as it promotes equality and development, and is not against any religion but in favour of national integration. In another key decision, the cabinet approved a 50% reduction in registration fees for properties purchased in the name of women, a move aimed at boosting financial empowerment despite an estimated revenue loss of Rs 153 crore.Relief was also extended to serving and retired soldiers, widows with a 25% concession in stamp duty on property purchases up to Rs 25 lakh.On the economic front, the cabinet approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh Industrial Land and Building Management Rules, 2015, aimed at streamlining land allocation, improving access to finance and enhancing ease of doing business.
The changes include clearer eligibility for service sector allotments, provision for approach roads to land bank plots, inclusion of NBFCs for better credit access, and more clarity in shareholding norms and PPP frameworks to attract private investment.The cabinet further approved amendments to industrial land allocation norms and mining rules to improve transparency, curb illegal mining and enhance ease of doing business.
Stricter penalties, including fines up to Rs 5 lakh, have been introduced for violations.In another financial decision, the cabinet agreed to the recovery of Rs 10,536 crore in excess pension payments made by Chhattisgarh to Madhya Pradesh following state reorganisation. While Rs 2,000 crore has already been received, the remaining Rs 8,536 crore will be paid in six annual instalments.
