DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly will begin its high-stakes budget session on Monday in Gairsain, the summer capital of Uttarakhand, with the government set to introduce several key amendment bills, including proposed changes to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Among the legislative priorities are amendments to the UCC that focus on stricter matrimonial regulations. Under the proposed changes, individuals who conceal their identity to enter into marriage will face criminal charges, and such marriages will be declared invalid. The government also plans to widen administrative oversight by allowing officers at the level of Additional Secretary to serve as Registrar General, a provision that was previously not included in the code.
"The session is crucial for refining our legislative framework to ensure social security and administrative efficiency," a government official stated.
The legislative agenda also includes the Uttarakhand Shop and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Bill. The proposed legislation aims to introduce flexible working hours and improve operational efficiency for retail establishments, allowing employees greater flexibility in their work schedules.
The government is also set to introduce the Uttarakhand Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill. The bill proposes removing imprisonment clauses in seven existing laws and replacing them with administrative penalties in a move aimed at easing the business environment. The session will also address financial administration with the introduction of the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill.
The five-day budget session opening on Monday has already seen significant legislative activity, with the Assembly Secretariat receiving more than 600 questions from members of both the treasury and opposition benches. Along with the bills, the government will also table annual performance reports of various departments and commissions.
Security has been tightened across the assembly complex and nearby areas to ensure smooth proceedings. As the political atmosphere intensifies in the hill state, attention will be on whether the government can manage the legislative workload amid expected confrontations with the opposition.