'Essential for unifying society': Mohan Bhagwat bats for nationwide UCC

Calling the UCC necessary for social unity, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the draft prepared in Uttarakhand was opened for public consultation and received suggestions from nearly three lakh people, all of which were examined.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said that nationwide Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is essential for unifying the society, asserting that equal laws would strengthen national integration.

Speaking at a former servicemen’s event to mark 100 years of the RSS, Bhagwat said implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) nationwide would be a “very good thing.” He said the law should be rolled out across the country and suggested it could follow the model adopted by Uttarakhand, PTI reported.

Uttarakhand was the first state to implement the UCC on January 27 last year.

Calling the UCC necessary for social unity, Bhagwat said the draft prepared in Uttarakhand was opened for public consultation and received suggestions from nearly three lakh people, all of which were examined.

When asked about the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions, currently stayed by the Supreme Court, Bhagwat declined to comment, noting that the matter is with the top court.

Addressing the event attended by veterans and serving officers from the military and paramilitary forces, the RSS chief said that while the country is independent, defence forces will always be needed to safeguard the freedom.

He said the Sangh was established without any external resources and, despite facing severe sanctions twice, it continued to progress on the strength of the society's self-confidence.

Bhagwat also encouraged former servicemen to attend Sangh camps and programmes, observe the work of its volunteers, and take part in service activities according to their interests and abilities.

(With PTI inputs)