North New
New Delhi, January 27
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday lauded Uttarakhand for becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking what he called a pivotal moment in India’s constitutional journey. Speaking at the inaugural program for the fifth batch of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme, Dhankhar emphasized the significance of UCC in promoting gender equality and fulfilling the vision of the Constitution’s framers. “One state has done it. I congratulate the farsightedness of the government for realizing the vision of the founding fathers by implementing the Uniform Civil Code in their state. I am sure it will only be a matter of time before the entire country adopts similar legislation,” Dhankhar further said.
Addressing critics, he asserted that opposing UCC reflects ignorance of its constitutional mandate. “How can anyone oppose something that aims to bring about gender equality and is rooted in the founding principles of our Constitution? This is politics at its most divisive,” Dhankhar remarked, urging critics to study Constitutional Assembly debates and Supreme Court rulings on the issue. Dhankhar also raised concerns about illegal migration, terming it a threat to sovereignty, societal harmony, and electoral integrity. “Millions of illegal migrants live on our land, using resources meant for our citizens. This cannot be delayed; it’s a threat to democracy and national security,” he warned, calling for immediate action.
Turning to youth opportunities, Dhankhar highlighted India’s development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing improvements in housing, sanitation, connectivity, and infrastructure. “India is now an aspirational nation. People’s dreams are touching the sky, driven by exponential growth in opportunities. Yet, I urge our youth to think beyond government jobs and explore the expanding basket of possibilities,” he said. He praised Modi’s focus on aspirational districts, which transformed neglected areas into thriving hubs. “This decade has seen India achieve unparalleled economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and technological advancements. We are a beacon of hope and possibility,” Dhankhar concluded.
