Ranchi, Jharkhand – In a significant announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be introduced in Jharkhand but assured that the Tribal community would be excluded from its purview. Shah’s statement was aimed at addressing concerns within the state’s diverse population, particularly among the indigenous communities, who have voiced fears that a UCC might threaten their traditional customs and practices.
The UCC, a proposal to establish a uniform set of laws governing personal matters for all citizens irrespective of religion or community, has been a longstanding point of discussion in India. It aims to streamline and simplify laws relating to marriage, inheritance, and other civil matters across religious lines. However, tribal communities, with their unique cultural and legal traditions, have raised concerns that a UCC might erode their customary laws and autonomy.
During his address in Ranchi, Shah explained that the government recognizes the unique customs, traditions, and cultural practices of the tribal population in Jharkhand. “We respect the rights of our tribal brothers and sisters, and we assure them that their customs and practices will remain protected,” Shah said. “The Tribal community will be kept out of the ambit of the UCC,” he emphasized, hoping to allay any apprehensions that may have arisen due to the proposed introduction of the code.
Jharkhand is home to a significant tribal population, including groups such as the Santhals, Oraons, Mundas, and Hos, who have long upheld their own social, legal, and cultural practices, distinct from mainstream Indian society. These practices are central to the identity of the indigenous people, and they have historically been wary of any measures that could potentially threaten their autonomy.
The Union Home Minister’s assurance has been met with a mixed response from various quarters. Many political analysts believe this move seeks to balance the national agenda of a UCC with the need to respect the unique legal frameworks followed by tribal communities. On the one hand, supporters of the UCC argue that it will strengthen national integration by creating a single framework for civil law. On the other hand, critics contend that a one-size-fits-all approach may not suit a country as diverse as India, where tribal and cultural identities are deeply ingrained.
Local leaders and representatives of the tribal communities have cautiously welcomed the exemption, though some have called for more clarity on how this exclusion will be implemented. Tribal activists argue that the government should engage directly with indigenous leaders and community members to ensure that their concerns are fully understood and respected as the UCC is rolled out in the state.
As the government moves forward with its plans for a UCC, all eyes will be on Jharkhand to see how the policy is introduced and whether similar exemptions will be considered in other states with significant tribal populations. The upcoming legislative session is expected to further discuss the scope and framework of the UCC, potentially shaping how civil laws evolve in one of the world’s most diverse societies.
