The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Sunday approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill at a meeting held in Jagdishpur, near Bhopal. The draft legislation is now cleared by the government to be introduced in the monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly, which begins on July 20.

Apart from the UCC, bills related to the Labour Code, Private University Amendment, Civil Security and Ease of Doing Business were also approved in the meeting.

'Same law for Ram and Rahim'

After the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav stated that the Uniform Civil Code aims to implement the same law for all citizens. He said, "There will be the same law for everyone, Ram and Rahim." The draft of the proposed legislation excludes tribal communities.

There will be new provisions for live-in relationships

The proposed bill makes registration of live-in relationships mandatory and requires the partners to comply within one month.

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Children born from such relationships will have all inheritance rights. There are also provisions for legal action against anyone who engages in a live-in relationship without prior notice.

Marriage and divorce rules will be the same

Under the UCC, marriage provisions will be the same for all citizens. The Chief Minister said that divorce will not be valid merely through a verbal declaration, but will be recognised through legal process.

Appeal for support from Congress

The Chief Minister stated that all political parties except the Congress party have submitted their suggestions regarding the Uniform Civil Code. He also appealed to the Congress party to rise above party politics and support the bill.

Decisions related to health and medical education also

The cabinet also approved a proposal to upgrade 71 health institutions in the state. It also decided to split the state's only medical university and establish a second medical university headquartered in Ujjain. Currently, the medical university in Jabalpur provides affiliation to all medical colleges.

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Plan to develop Jagdishpur as a tourist centre

The Chief Minister stated that the purpose of holding the cabinet meeting in Jagdishpur is to preserve the state's historical heritage. He added that work will also be done to develop the area as a tourist destination.