Amit Shah Targets 2029 For UCC Rollout In 21 States

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed confidence that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners before 2029.

Shah made this statement while speaking to reporters in Mumbai, where he mentioned that several states had already taken steps towards implementing the UCC. He cited the example of Uttarakhand, which became the first state in the country to pass a UCC law in February 2024 and has fully enforced the code since January 2025.

Other states such as Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh have also passed the UCC Bill, with Gujarat following suit in 2025 and Assam becoming the first north-eastern state to pass the UCC Bill in May 2026. Madhya Pradesh became the latest state to unanimously approve the UCC at a special Cabinet meeting in August. However, these states are still awaiting presidential assent and notification.

Meanwhile, states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh have formed committees to draft the legislation. Shah's statement comes ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections, which are scheduled for 2029.

In addition to the UCC, Shah also highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen the country's criminal justice system through the enforcement of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He claimed that the conviction rate in several states had risen to 30% in a single year.

Shah also mentioned the government's success in ending five decades of Naxalism and signing more than 14 peace agreements in the North East. He stated that over 9,000 people had surrendered and that the North East was now on the path of development.

The implementation of the UCC is a significant step towards achieving a uniform set of laws for all citizens, regardless of their religion or community. It is expected to have a major impact on the country's legal system and social fabric.

The UCC has been a long-pending demand of the BJP, and its implementation is seen as a key aspect of the party's agenda. With several states already having taken steps towards implementing the UCC, it remains to be seen how the rollout will be implemented in the remaining states.

The success of the UCC rollout will depend on various factors, including the cooperation of state governments and the willingness of citizens to adopt the new code. However, with the government's commitment to implementing the UCC, it is likely that the rollout will be completed by 2029.

In conclusion, the implementation of the UCC is a significant development that is expected to have a major impact on the country's legal system and social fabric. With the government's commitment to implementing the UCC, it is likely that the rollout will be completed by 2029, as targeted by Amit Shah.