Q: Goa is the first state to implement UCC? What should be model for other states?
A: We have been following UCC since 1961 and there has never been a problem in Goa. To follow UCC, we need compulsory registration of birth, death marriage, equal rights for husband and wife in property.
Q: There are rumours that UCC bill might be introduced during monsoon session of parliament in July?
A:This is about gender equality and women empowerment. A UCC in Goa exists for many decades.
Q: Many people of the opposition argue why is UCC needed and call it a diversionary tactic from problems of price rise and unemployment?
A:Opposition parties neither believe in gender equality nor do they want women empowerment. In Azaadi Amrit kaal, in the new India, gender equality is needed. In UCC, there will be gender equality , yet why the opposition opposes it I don’t really know.
Q:Uttarakhand is the second state after Goa to implement UCC? What is your say on the matter?
A: I would like to request the states that they can take the Goa UCC and study it to see how can UCC be successfully implemented and then introduce the bill in their respective states.
Q: Parties such as the Shiromani Akali Dal are opposed to the UCC ? Its not just about Muslim personal law but also tribals? Government must be mindful of other communities?
A: in goa, more than 27 % community is minority. There have been no complaints or no cases in courts when minorities in goa have no issues why should there be any problem in another state. All religions preach equality and we should respect it.
Q: Another accusation of the opposition is UCC is efforts at imposing majority will?
How do you respond to that? Why implement UCC now with an eye for 2024? Why didn’t you implement in 2019?
A: Opposition must support this. Opposition is only opposing UCC for the sake of opposition and opposition are opposed to women empowerment and gender equality.
Q: After independence, there was demand made for UCC but no government had the courage to pick up the issue? why has it taken 76 years?
A: This is the right time. Just because it was not done for last 75 years doesn’t mean we should not do it now . We have to plan for next 25 years, for instance triple talaq didn’t exist even in Muslim majority nations then why here? This is right time to think of a new law for uniformit