Dehradun: Mohan Bhagwat on Monday called for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country, saying a nationwide rollout on the lines of Uttarakhand would help bring social cohesion.
Speaking at an event for former servicemen to mark the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bhagwat said adopting such a framework nationwide would be “a very good step” and suggested that the Uttarakhand model could serve as a template.
Uttarakhand became the first state to enforce the UCC on January 27 last year. Bhagwat said the draft prepared there underwent extensive public consultation, drawing nearly 300,000 suggestions, all of which were reviewed.
When asked about University Grants Commission regulations intended to address caste-based discrimination in higher education — currently stayed by the Supreme Court of India — Bhagwat declined to comment, citing the matter’s pendency before the court.
Addressing veterans and serving personnel from the armed forces and paramilitary units, he said that even though India is independent, strong defence forces remain essential to protect that freedom.
Bhagwat added that the Sangh was founded without external support and continued to grow despite being banned twice, attributing its expansion to society’s confidence. He also encouraged former servicemen to attend Sangh training camps, observe volunteers’ work and contribute to service activities according to their interests and abilities.
