Bhopal, June 22 (IANS) In a significant development towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Madhya Pradesh, a high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is holding extensive consultations with stakeholders.

The marathon meetings, that began on Monday morning and will last till the evening at the Naronha Administration Academy in Bhopal, are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final draft of the UCC Bill.

Representatives from various commissions, political parties, religious leaders, and senior administrative officials are participating to provide their inputs and address concerns.

The committee has invited members from the Women’s Commission, Children’s Commission, SC Commission, Backward Classes Commission, and Minorities Commission to share their suggestions.

In the afternoon session, representatives of recognised political parties will present their views, followed by discussions with religious leaders in the evening.

Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries from all departments have also been called to attend meetings.

The Home Department is set to make detailed presentations on law-and-order and administrative aspects, while other departments will brief the committee on subjects relevant to their domains.

According to sources, the committee has already received approximately thousands of suggestions through online portals, public hearings, and other channels.

These inputs are being thoroughly studied to ensure that the interests and concerns of all sections of society are adequately addressed in the draft.

Once the committee finalises its report following Monday’s deliberations, it will be submitted to the state government.

A senior secretaries’ committee headed by Chief Secretary Anurag Jain will then scrutinise the recommendations.

The proposal will subsequently be placed before the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for approval.

If cleared by the Cabinet, the UCC Bill is likely to be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, which begins on July 20.

The development marks a crucial milestone in the state government’s efforts to bring a Uniform Civil Code, aimed at promoting equality and uniformity in personal laws across communities.

The committee’s inclusive approach reflects a serious attempt to build consensus on this sensitive issue.

Stakeholders hope that the final draft will balance progressive reforms with respect for diverse cultural and religious traditions prevalent in the state.

–IANS

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