- Sarva Adivasi Samaj and Women’s Commission gave important suggestions
The process towards drafting a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code ( UCC ) has accelerated in Chhattisgarh . Representatives from Bastar to Surguja spoke before the UCC Committee today at the New Circuit House in Raipur, the capital. During the discussion, the president and representatives of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj, the chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, and the chairperson of the State Film Development Corporation presented important suggestions on sensitive issues such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance. Committee members—retired IAS officer Mr. M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mr. Mohan Pawar, retired Mrs. Jyoti Rani Singh, and Member Secretary Shyam Dhavade—listened to all suggestions carefully and assured that the state’s unique cultural identity and social fabric would be fully respected.
Representatives from major tribes such as the Kanwar, Gond, Baiga, and Oraon tribes spoke, emphasizing the need to fully protect the tribal communities’ age-old traditional customs, traditions, and cultural uniqueness in the new law. The committee also deliberated extensively on practical issues such as marriage registration, property rights, and live-in relationships.
Discussing women’s rights and social security, Dr. Mamta Sahu, Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, supported the preservation of tribal traditions as well as positive social change.
She underscored the need for the UCC to protect Muslim women’s right to maintenance, strengthen national unity, and prevent religious conversion. Ms. Mona Sen, Chairperson of the State Film Development Corporation, suggested preserving Chhattisgarh’s rich folk art and tribal heritage, stating that equality in marital and property rights would provide renewed confidence and legal protection to women at the bottom of society.
Under Article 44 of the Constitution, the committee is conducting extensive public dialogue across the state. The primary objective of the proposed code is to establish a uniform legal framework for all citizens, regardless of religion or community. The committee will deliberate on ideas and suggestions regarding marriage and divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Presently the Committee is gathering the views of the general public, legal experts and social organizations through district level field studies, online portal and face-to-face meetings, so that a transparent, just and people-friendly Uniform Civil Code can be implemented in Chhattisgarh.