Raipur. The process of drafting a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has accelerated in Chhattisgarh. Representatives from Bastar to Surguja spoke before the UCC committee at the New Circuit House in Raipur on Tuesday.

During the discussion, the president and representatives of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj, the chairperson of the State Women's Commission, the chairperson of the State Scheduled Tribe Commission, and the chairperson of the State Film Development Corporation offered valuable suggestions on sensitive issues such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance. Committee members—retired IAS officer M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mohan Pawar, retired Mrs. Jyoti Rani Singh, and member secretary Shyam Dhavade—listened to all suggestions carefully and assured them that the state's unique cultural identity and social fabric would be fully respected.
During the meeting, representatives from major tribes such as the Kanwar, Gond, Baiga, and Oraon tribes spoke, calling for the new law to fully protect the centuries-old traditional customs, traditions, and cultural distinctiveness of the tribal communities. The committee also discussed practical issues such as marriage registration, property rights, and live-in relationships.Discussing the issue of women's rights and social security, Dr. Mamta Sahu, Chairperson of the State Women's Commission, supported the preservation of tribal traditions as well as positive social change. She underlined the need for the UCC to ensure the right to maintenance for Muslim women, strengthen national unity, and prevent religious conversion. Mona Sen, Chairperson of the State Film Development Corporation, suggested preserving Chhattisgarh's rich folk art and tribal heritage, saying that equality in marital and property rights would provide new confidence and legal protection to women at the bottom of society.
Under Article 44 of the Constitution, the committee is conducting extensive public dialogue across the state. The primary objective of the proposed code is to create a uniform legal framework for all citizens, regardless of religion or community. The committee will deliberate on ideas and suggestions regarding marriage and divorce, maintenance, succession and inheritance, and live-in relationships. Currently, the committee is gathering the opinions of the general public, legal experts, and social organizations through district-level field studies, online portals, and face-to-face meetings, so that a transparent, just, and public-friendly Uniform Civil Code can be implemented in Chhattisgarh.