Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University and a member of the expert committee that drafted the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC), clarified that UCC registration has no connection with the domicile or permanent residence certificate of Uttarakhand. She emphasized that the purpose of UCC registration is solely to preserve the state’s demography and regulate personal laws.
In a statement issued on UCC provisions, Prof. Dangwal explained that the UCC governs matters such as marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, and wills, but it does not impact existing conditions for permanent residency or domicile. “The registration under UCC is similar to obtaining a voter card based on normal residence. It ensures the regulation of personal laws while protecting Uttarakhand’s culture and demography,” she said.
She further highlighted that all individuals residing in Uttarakhand for at least one year are eligible for UCC registration, including people from other states who are not permanent residents. This inclusion ensures that the government maintains a comprehensive database of the state’s population. Prof. Dangwal stressed that without UCC registration, many non-permanent residents would continue to benefit from government schemes without accountability.
The registration process aims to control criminal tendencies, protect Uttarakhand’s social fabric, and strengthen societal institutions like marriage. According to Prof. Dangwal, the initiative will help regulate personal matters, such as marriage and divorce, for all residents, regardless of their state of origin, thus fostering a cohesive social structure.
She clarified that the issue of permanent residence was never under the purview of the UCC committee, and registration under the UCC does not confer additional benefits. “The UCC is about regulating personal laws and safeguarding Uttarakhand’s demography, culture, and traditions,” Prof. Dangwal reiterated.
