Rajasthan to seek public feedback on proposed UCC on July 10-11

Jaipur, July 8 (IANS) To seek suggestions from the public on the proposed Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Rajasthan government will organise a two-day divisional-level public hearing on July 10 and 11 at the District Collector’s Auditorium in Jaipur. The Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code 2026 Committee is chaired by retired IAS officer Shatrughna Singh.

Divisional Commissioner V. Saravana Kumar has directed the Jaipur District Collector to ensure all necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of the public hearing.

Instructions have also been issued to ensure broad participation by inviting public representatives, organisations and other stakeholders.

To facilitate the submission of suggestions, the state government has launched a dedicated portal. Citizens may submit their views individually or on behalf of an institution or organisation.

The online survey seeks ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ responses to 19 questions, while users can also upload detailed suggestions and supporting documents. The entire process will remain confidential.

The questionnaire seeks citizens’ views on issues including awareness of the provision for a Uniform Civil Code under Article 44 of the Constitution; whether the UCC should be implemented in Rajasthan; whether it can be implemented without violating the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution; whether marriage, divorce, inheritance, wills and live-in relationships should be brought under the UCC; whether there should be uniform laws governing marriage and divorce for all communities; whether registration of divorce should be made mandatory; whether a uniform law should be enacted for maintenance; whether men and women should have equal property rights; whether registration of live-in relationships should be mandatory; whether the rights of women and children in live-in relationships should be protected through law; whether polygamy adversely affects women’s rights; and whether the UCC would help eliminate social evils and gender discrimination.

The Home Department has appealed to citizens to actively participate in the policy-making process by sharing their suggestions on the proposed Uniform Civil Code. The government believes that a draft prepared through extensive public participation will be more practical, representative and inclusive.

The committee comprises the Divisional Commissioner, Jaipur, as Coordinator; representatives of the Home Department; the District Collector and District Magistrate, Jaipur; and a Deputy Legal Advisor as members.

In addition, the Additional District Collector (Dudu), the Sub-Divisional Officer (Jaipur-I), Assistant Collectors (Dudu Fast Track, Chomu, Chomu Fast Track, Shahpura Fast Track, Jamwaramgarh Fast Track, Amer and Amer Fast Track), and the Deputy Director, Women Empowerment (Jaipur), will participate in the proceedings.

The committee will also include 10 expert officers nominated by the District Collector, along with all Tehsildars and supporting staff from Jaipur as associate members.

On July 10, from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., the committee will invite suggestions from elected representatives, chairpersons of urban local bodies, representatives of various religions, advocates, academicians, social sector organisations, intellectuals and representatives of recognised political parties.

Thereafter, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., a public hearing will be conducted for citizens from the districts of the Jaipur Division.

The proceedings will be presided over by retired IAS officer Shatrughna Singh.

On July 11, from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., the remaining public hearing for residents of Jaipur district will be conducted by Dr Shuchi Chauhan, a member of the Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code 2026 Committee.

–IANS

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