UCC in all 21 NDA-ruled States by 2029: Amit Shah - The Hindu

**Uniform Civil Code to be Implemented Across All 21 NDA‑Ruled States by 2029, Says Amit Shah**

New Delhi – Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Wednesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)–led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments in all 21 states currently under its control will introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Shah, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, framed the move as a fulfillment of a longstanding constitutional mandate aimed at “ending corruption, casteism and dynastic politics,” citing twelve years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as the catalyst for this “policy‑paralysis‑free” environment. The Home Minister indicated that a central advisory panel, comprising legal scholars, social scientists and representatives from civil society, would be set up to draft model legislation for each state, with the central government providing financial and administrative support for implementation.

The UCC, envisioned under Article 44 of the Constitution, seeks to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of civil statutes governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption. While the BJP has repeatedly pledged to enact a UCC at the national level, previous attempts have been stalled by concerns over religious freedoms and regional opposition. Shah’s timeline marks the first coordinated, state‑by‑state rollout, aiming to sidestep the need for a sweeping national law and to build a “bottom‑up” consensus. The Home Minister noted that the code will respect core constitutional guarantees and will be introduced through state legislatures after extensive consultation, thereby avoiding the perception of a top‑down imposition.

Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress and several regional outfits, have warned that the push could inflame communal sensitivities and undermine the pluralistic fabric of Indian society. Civil‑rights groups have called for greater transparency in the drafting process and for safeguards to protect minority personal laws. Conversely, a segment of civil‑society organizations and legal reform advocates welcomed the initiative, arguing that a uniform framework could promote gender equity and streamline legal procedures. As the 2029 elections approach, the rollout of the UCC is likely to become a focal point of political debate, with its success or failure potentially shaping the electoral fortunes of the NDA coalition.