President Droupadi Murmu addresses the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on the occasion of the silver jubilee year of the formation of Uttarakhand in Dehradun on November 3, 2025. | Photo credit: ANI
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday (November 3, 2025) addressed a special session of the Uttarakhand Assembly organized as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the state. She appealed to the legislature for the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and also praised the passing of important laws like Lokayukta, Uttarakhand Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms, among others against cheating.
The state passed the UCC in January this year. The law provides for a complete ban on practices such as triple talaq (customs related to marriage and divorce in Muslim personal law). It also ensures that women have equal rights in matters relating to property and inheritance rights.
The President is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand from November 2 to November 4.
Addressing MLAs in Dehradun, Ms. Murmu said that legislative assemblies are the key pillar of India’s parliamentary system. She added that legislators are the most important link between the public and the government and that if the MLA remains actively involved in solving public problems and working for the welfare of the people, the bond of trust between the public and their representatives will be unbreakable.
The President emphasized that the MLA must work with special sensitivity for the welfare and development of the disadvantaged sections of the society. She added that their priority should also be to provide growth opportunities to the younger generation.
The President appreciated the members of the Uttarakhand Assembly for implementing the Uniform Civil Code Bill in accordance with the constitutional directive and added that the Assembly has passed more than 550 laws of major importance since its inception.
She also noted that since its creation in 2000, the state has seen improvements in several parameters of the Human Development Index (HDI) and literacy rate. She also appreciated the state’s efforts for women empowerment and said that she hoped that the number of women in the Uttarakhand state legislature would increase further in the future.
Mrs. Murmu also urged the state to move forward on the path of development while preserving the gift it has been given.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who thanked the President for granting a special session to the State Assembly, said her words would continue to guide the state for the next 25 years.
“The President’s inspiring words on the Uniform Civil Code further strengthen our resolve. We remain committed to the all-round development of the state and public welfare,” Mr. Dhami said.
Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) and Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri were also present on the occasion.
Uttarakhand will complete 25 years of its foundation on November 9.
Published – 03 Nov 2025 20:46 IST
