Goa CM Pramod Sawant: UCC Crucial for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has emphasized the significance of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, stating that it is crucial for women’s empowerment and gender equality. Sawant believes that political parties who engage in politics over the UCC are not genuinely interested in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, as the code is not based on caste or religion.
Speaking about the UCC, Sawant stated, Many parties are doing politics on UCC. It means they don’t want the empowerment of women and gender quality. UCC is not based on caste and religion. He also expressed his pride in Goa being the first state to follow the Uniform Civil Code since Independence.
While reiterating the importance of the UCC, Sawant mentioned that it is up to the central government to decide when to implement the code. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for putting forth the bill and welcomed the decision, expressing hope that the bill would be implemented soon.
In contrast to Sawant’s stance, the Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group plans to hold a meeting to discuss their stance on the UCC ahead of a discussion by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the UCC on July 3. The meeting will take place at the residence of former AICC chief Sonia Gandhi and will seek to determine the party’s position in the upcoming discussion. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice has scheduled the meeting to hear the views of stakeholders regarding the UCC.
The UCC has been a topic of debate and discussion for many years in India. The aim of the code is to provide a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, applying to all citizens regardless of their religion or caste. Proponents of the UCC argue that its implementation will ensure gender equality and empower women by eliminating discriminatory practices embedded in personal laws based on religious customs.
On the other hand, critics of the UCC express concerns about potential infringement on religious and cultural rights. They argue that personal laws rooted in religious traditions reflect the diversity and pluralism of Indian society.
As the discussions surrounding the UCC continue, it is essential to consider various perspectives and opinions to foster a balanced understanding of the topic. The path towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code in India requires careful consideration and open dialogue to address concerns while ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment.
While the political landscape may be divided on the matter, the objective remains clear: to create a legal framework that promotes gender equality and empowers women without compromising religious and cultural rights. The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in India holds the potential to bring about significant social change, and it will require the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders to navigate the complexities of this important issue.
