Amit Shah Targets 2029 Deadline for UCC Implementation in 21 NDA-Ruled States

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Sunday that the Bharatiya Janata Party and its National Democratic Alliance partners aim to implement a Uniform Civil Code across all 21 states currently under their governance before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Shah framed the initiative as a central pillar of the government's legislative agenda, intended to replace religion-based personal laws with a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. The announcement comes as the central government continues to push for legislative uniformity across its state-level jurisdictions.

This commitment follows a series of state-level legislative actions that have already begun to reshape the legal landscape regarding personal laws. While Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a Uniform Civil Code law in February 2024, which has been fully enforced since January 2025, other states have followed with varying degrees of progress. Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh have also passed similar bills, though these remain in the pipeline awaiting presidential assent and official notification. Meanwhile, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh have initiated the process by establishing formal drafting committees to prepare their respective versions of the legislation.

The push for a uniform legal framework has gained significant momentum over the past two years, moving from a national policy objective to concrete state-level legislation. Uttarakhand currently stands as the only state where the code is fully operational, serving as a template for other BJP-led administrations. The legislative process in other states reflects a structured approach, with some jurisdictions having already secured legislative approval while others are still in the preliminary drafting phase.

In Madhya Pradesh, the state cabinet unanimously approved a UCC proposal during a special meeting held in Bhopal last month. Assam, which passed its UCC Bill in May 2026, holds the distinction of being the first state in the North-East region to take this step. The administrative process for these bills involves a multi-stage journey, beginning with cabinet approval and legislative passage, followed by the requirement for presidential assent before the laws can be formally notified and enforced. This staggered implementation timeline highlights the complexity of transitioning from traditional personal laws to a unified code.

Beyond the Uniform Civil Code, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the broader legislative overhaul of the country's criminal justice system, specifically citing the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Shah claimed that the new legal framework has already yielded measurable results, noting that several states have reported a 30 per cent increase in conviction rates within a single year of the law's enforcement. He further stated that the government is currently establishing a new administrative system designed to ensure that justice is delivered within a three-year timeframe.

These reforms are part of a wider strategy to modernize India's legal and security infrastructure. Shah linked these improvements to the government's broader policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism, citing operations such as surgical strikes, air strikes, and the mission designated as Operation Sindoor. By integrating these legal reforms with national security initiatives, the government aims to project a cohesive approach to internal stability and judicial efficiency, which Shah presented as a core achievement of the administration's tenure.

Addressing the state of national security, Shah highlighted the government's actions in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A had successfully integrated the region into the national mainstream without any violent incidents. He also pointed to the resolution of long-standing regional conflicts, claiming that five decades of Naxalism have been effectively ended. According to the Home Minister, the government has signed more than 14 peace agreements in the North-East, leading to the surrender of over 9,000 individuals and shifting the region toward a path of development.

These claims of regional stabilization were presented alongside the government's ongoing efforts to manage demographic and security challenges. When questioned about the implementation of the National Register of Citizens in Manipur and the potential use of a 1951 baseline, Shah indicated that the Centre is currently engaged in active discussions with its political allies and local parties in the state. He maintained that the government would provide updates once a final decision is reached, emphasizing that the process remains a matter of ongoing consultation.

Regarding the detection and deportation of illegal infiltrators, particularly in urban centers like Mumbai, Shah reiterated the government's firm stance. He declined to disclose the specific operational tools or methodologies being employed to identify these individuals, arguing that transparency would compromise the effectiveness of the security apparatus. He quipped that revealing such information would alert those targeted by the enforcement actions, thereby undermining the government's ability to carry out its mandate.

Despite the lack of specific procedural details, Shah reaffirmed the government's resolve to identify and deport illegal infiltrators on an individual basis. This commitment to border security and internal regulation remains a consistent theme in the administration's public messaging. The Home Minister also touched upon the government's anti-drugs campaign, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, noting that he plans to visit every state to ensure the initiative reaches the grassroots level through coordinated efforts with state-level leadership.

To mark the completion of 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service, the government has announced a month-long outreach program titled the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. Scheduled to run from September 17 to October 17, 2026, the campaign is designed to reach every district, constituency, and polling booth across the country. The initiative will coincide with the Prime Minister's birthday and the anniversary of his tenure as both Chief Minister and Prime Minister.

This campaign is intended to serve as a vehicle for communicating the government's achievements in welfare, good governance, and national development. A central feature of the outreach will be a bike yatra traveling from Kashi to Vadnagar, beginning with a ritual offering of water from ten rivers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The government expects the entire NDA alliance, along with various voluntary organizations, to participate in this effort to mobilize support and disseminate the administration's message at the local level.