Himalaya Harbinger, Nainital Bureau.
In a historic move, Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from January 27, 2025. This landmark reform, championed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aims to ensure gender equality in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
The bill was passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 7, 2024, followed by Presidential assent on March 12. Shortly after, on March 14, the state government resolved to draft detailed rules for its implementation. Spearheading this monumental task was IPS officer Ridhim Aggarwal, who was then serving as Additional Secretary and Special Secretary (Home) in the state government. After nearly a year of intense groundwork, the rulebook was finalized.
In her current role as Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kumaon Range, Ridhim Aggarwal has continued to play a key role in putting the UCC into action. Demonstrating personal commitment, she directed all district police heads across Kumaon to ensure that eligible police personnel promptly register their marriages on the UCC portal. Dedicated nodal officers were appointed in each unit, and special camps were organized across police lines, stations, units, and branches in coordination with authorized Common Service Centres (CSCs).
“As soon as I took charge, I instructed all district officials to prioritize marriage registrations under the UCC. We have been monitoring the progress daily at the range level,” said IG Aggarwal.
As of May 17, 2025, out of a total of 3,212 police personnel in the Kumaon Range, 3,071 have successfully registered their marriages on the UCC portal, marking an impressive 95.61% compliance rate.
The district-wise breakdown is as follows:
Almora: 302 out of 308 personnel (98.05%)
Bageshwar: 212 out of 219 (96.80%)
Champawat: 289 out of 299 (96.66%)
Nainital: 902 out of 925 (97.51%)
Pithoragarh: 333 out of 350 (95.14%)
Udham Singh Nagar: 1,010 out of 1,088 (92.83%)
Kumaon Range HQ: All 23 personnel registered (100%)
IG Aggarwal acknowledged that a small percentage of personnel are yet to complete their registrations due to unavoidable circumstances such as pending Aadhaar card corrections, divorce proceedings, family disputes, health issues, or spouses living abroad. She has instructed district heads to address these concerns on a case-by-case basis to ensure 100% registration at the earliest.
“I have asked all district in-charges to take personal interest in resolving the problems faced by the remaining personnel so they too can complete their registration soon,” she stated.
She further appealed to the general public to embrace the UCC portal for future convenience. “We request all citizens to take advantage of this digital platform for marriage registration, which ensures uniformity and transparency,” she added.
This development not only highlights Uttarakhand’s pioneering spirit but also reflects the efficient groundwork laid by officials like Ridhim Aggarwal in bringing about systemic reform with remarkable speed and success.
