DEHRADUN: The budget session of the Uttarakhand Assembly began on Monday with an address by Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmeet Singh, outlining the schemes, achievements and priorities of the state government.
Meanwhile, the state Congress observed a 'Maun Vrat' (silent fast) in protest against holding the budget session in Dehradun instead of Gairsain, the summer capital of the state.
In a comprehensive 16-page address that lasted approximately 50 minutes, Governor Singh highlighted initiatives for women, youth, and diverse sectors, including a discussion on the Uniform Civil Code. After the Governor's address, the House was adjourned until Tuesday.
In his address, Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) Gurmeet Singh said, "Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha has made Uttarakhand the first state in the country by approving the "Uniform Civil Code" Bill providing equal rights to all the citizens of Uttarakhand to implement the dream of equal citizens as per the sentiments of the makers of the Constitution."
Governor Singh emphasized , "This groundbreaking legislation aims to uphold the vision of equality envisioned by the framers of the Constitution by eliminating discriminatory practices based on caste, religion, region, and gender in matters pertaining to civil law".
"This legislation has brought uniformity in all laws related to individual civil matters that discriminate based on caste, religion, region, and gender under the ambit of the Uniform Civil Code," Governor Singh said.
Highlighting the merits of UCC, Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh said, "Women of all religious communities have been empowered by giving equal rights in marriage, divorce, alimony, property. Along with this, many provisions have been made in all religious communities like giving equal rights to sons and daughters in property for all classes".
Governor Lt Gen Singh stated, "The state provides a conducive environment not only for the ease of doing business but also for the peace of doing business. As a result of continuous improvement in the state's ranking in improvement programs implemented by the Indian government, Uttarakhand has been included in the achievers' category this year."
As the Governor addressed the Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the budget session, the Congress party was engaged in a simultaneous 'Moun Vratt' (vow of silence) in Dehradun. Led by former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, the demonstration was attended by party members, including state Congress president Karan Mahra, several MLAs, and former ministers.
The protest took place in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Park. The hour-long 'Moun Vratt' was organized as a way to express dissent regarding the decision not to hold the budget session in Gairsain.