Bhopal, April 9 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh has begun preparations to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), aiming to further the principle of "One Nation, One Law."

A high-level committee, led by a retired judge and comprising social activists, seasoned attorneys, university Vice-Chancellors, and legal specialists, is anticipated to be established shortly to draft the state's UCC Bill.

During a recent cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav instructed the Home Department to expedite the process, with sources indicating a possible launch by the end of 2026 or even prior to Diwali.

The department is thoroughly examining the UCC frameworks implemented in Uttarakhand (the first state to adopt a comprehensive UCC in 2024) and Gujarat (which approved its UCC Bill in March 2026), scrutinizing their implementation challenges and methodologies.

Detailed updates have already been shared with the Chief Minister, according to sources.

The proposed five-member committee is set to guide the drafting process, learning from similar committees in other states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Officials indicate that while the Home Department will craft the draft, ministers will consider practical challenges encountered during UCC implementations in other regions.

This renewed initiative follows a previous announcement in 2022 by then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan that did not come to fruition.

Cooperation Minister Vishwas Sarang is a strong advocate for this initiative, asserting that a uniform legal framework is vital for national unity and a secure future for all citizens.

He emphasized that the same laws should apply equally to everyone, regardless of caste or religion.

Sarang criticized previous Congress administrations for fostering societal division and stressed that the current efforts aim to rectify historical imbalances by promoting equality for both current and future generations.

The initiative has sparked political discourse, with Congress Member of Legislative Assembly Arif Masood condemning the government for allegedly using the UCC topic as a distraction from pressing issues such as shortages of cooking gas and fertilizers.

He raised concerns about the potential repercussions for individuals of varying faiths and suggested that this move could lead to injustice rather than progress, describing it as mere "rhetoric" to shift public focus from genuine governance challenges.

The Madhya Pradesh government's efforts align with broader national conversations regarding UCC as a measure towards legal uniformity.

Uttarakhand and Gujarat have already enacted their versions, concentrating on unified regulations for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, while addressing gender justice and equality.

As the committee is formed, the process is expected to involve extensive consultations. The government asserts that the UCC will promote equality and national integration, while opposition voices caution against politicization at the expense of immediate livelihood issues.

This development positions Madhya Pradesh as a potential frontrunner in advancing the long-discussed constitutional directive for a Uniform Civil Code.