The Chhattisgarh cabinet, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, conducted a meeting to discuss the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and initiatives for women’s empowerment, including a 50% reduction in property registration fees for women.
During the meeting, the cabinet approved the establishment of a high-level committee chaired by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The committee, with members designated by the Chief Minister, will collaborate with citizens, organizations, and legal experts to gather diverse feedback, potentially utilizing a dedicated online platform to craft a comprehensive UCC proposal.
Following the committee’s deliberations, the recommendations will be presented to the state cabinet for approval. Subsequently, the draft proposals will be submitted to the state assembly for legislative review.
Currently, personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance are governed by religion-specific laws, leading to legal complexities. The proposed UCC seeks to introduce a uniform legal framework applicable to all citizens, simplifying legal processes, ensuring consistency in judicial proceedings, and advancing gender and social parity.
The initiative aligns with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which urges states to pursue a Uniform Civil Code as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. However, the 50% reduction in property registration fees for women may strain the state finances, potentially causing a significant revenue loss of Rs 153 crore.
Despite this financial impact, the state authorities view the reduction as a strategic investment that will bolster women’s property ownership in urban and rural areas in the foreseeable future.