Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 31 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has questioned the provision of 'special provisions' for any particular religious group despite India being a secular country, while congratulating the people of Uttarakhand on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement the UCC on January 27. Dhami called it a 'historic moment for Uttarakhand' and announced that January 27 would be celebrated as 'UCC Diwas'.

Speaking on the UCC implementation, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma highlighted that the Constitution defines India as a secular nation.

'It is written in the Constitution that we are a secular nation. So when there is secularism, then how can there be special provisions for any particular religion? Hence, it is good to have UCC. I congratulate everyone that it has been implemented in Uttarakhand,' Sharma said.

On Monday, CM Dhami unveiled the UCC notification and became the first person to register his marriage on the newly launched UCC portal. At a ceremony held at Mukhya Sevak Sadan at the CM's residence, Dhami inaugurated the UCC portal (ucc.uk.gov.in) and released the UCC rulebook.

During the event, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi handed over the first UCC marriage registration certificate to Dhami, who personally registered his marriage under the new law. The CM also distributed certificates to the first five applicants who registered under the UCC Act.

Expressing her support, Rawat said, 'I want to congratulate Uttarakhand and the Chief Minister. Everyone should do this [register]. This is a good start. We will slowly see what benefits we get eventually.'

CM Dhami highlighted that an expert committee drafted the UCC after consulting 2.35 lakh individuals. He stated that by implementing the UCC, the state government is paying tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar and all members of the Constituent Assembly.

While making the announcement, Dhami expressed his connection with the 1.25 crore residents of Uttarakhand, stating that it was a moment of pride and joy for him. He added that the implementation of the UCC ensures equal constitutional and civil rights for all citizens, including women of all religions.

Under the UCC, marriage can be solemnized only if neither party has a living spouse, both individuals are mentally capable of giving legal consent, the man has completed at least 21 years of age, and the woman 18 years of age. Additionally, they should not fall under prohibited relationships.

Marriage rituals can be performed according to religious customs or legal provisions, but it is mandatory to register marriages taking place after the implementation of the Act within 60 days.

(ANI)