Newtown, Sep 14 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Monday backed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country, saying the process should begin in the state and subsequently extend to others.
Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said the UCC was necessary to strengthen the nation’s unity, integrity and security.
“Absolutely, the Uniform Civil Code should be implemented in the country, starting with Bengal, our state, and then in other states. It is essential for the unity, integrity, and security of the nation,” he said.
His remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the UCC would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029.
“We introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states. I am confident that we will implement the UCC in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029,” HM Shah said at a press conference in Mumbai.
The UCC seeks to establish a common framework of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, irrespective of religious affiliation.
Ghosh also commented on the West Bengal government’s action against madrasas, saying institutions operating without the required permissions should not be allowed to function.
“Anything illegal, whether madrasas or restaurants, cannot operate outside the law without government permission. The government is scrutinising everything, and any unauthorised establishment will be closed. To operate, they must get government permission,” he said.
The remarks came after the state government issued closure notices to 252 madrasas as part of a review of Islamic educational institutions. Show-cause notices have also reportedly been issued to around 100 other madrasas during the first phase of the verification exercise.
Reports suggest that most of the 252 institutions facing closure are associated with the Khariji sect. Among them, 44 are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had ordered a statewide survey in June to ascertain the number of recognised and unrecognised madrasas operating in West Bengal.
Ghosh praised India’s hosting of the BRICS Summit and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for elevating the country’s role on the global stage.
“The BRICS summit held in India reached a high level under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. India’s hospitality charmed everyone, paving the way for a new world order in business and global politics,” he said.
Ghosh added that issues such as human security and financial security should remain among the key priorities.
–IANS
jk/dpb
