After implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Uttarakhand government is now considering bringing a population control law, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami indicated on Friday.
Speaking about the proposed move, Dhami said the government’s focus is on preserving the state’s cultural identity and maintaining demographic balance.
“Our focus is to ensure that the state’s cultural values remain intact and that there is no infiltration. After the historic implementation of the UCC, we are now discussing further legislative measures, including population control,” he said.
Debate gains momentum after Assembly discussions
The issue gained attention during the recent Assembly budget session, where BJP MLA Shiv Arora raised the demand for a population control law. Several legislators supported the proposal, prompting the government to begin deliberations.
Officials said the state is studying models adopted by other regions, including Uttar Pradesh and Assam, to design a policy suited to Uttarakhand’s geography and population dynamics.
BJP state media in-charge Manveer Chauhan said that the move is not aimed at targeting any community. “The intent is developmental—to reduce pressure on limited resources. We are consulting experts and stakeholders before taking a decision,” he said.
Political context ahead of 2027 elections
Political observers view the proposal in the context of the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Indian National Congress is seeking to regain ground after consecutive losses.
The population control debate is seen as part of the BJP’s broader political strategy to consolidate its voter base.
Opposition calls move ‘diversionary tactic’
The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Congress spokesperson Mohan Kala accused the government of diverting attention from key issues.
“The government has failed on unemployment, law and order, and inflation. They are raising emotive issues to distract the public,” he alleged.
However, Congress leader Harak Singh Rawat offered a nuanced view, saying population control is not a new concept and had been pursued during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure through family planning programmes.
Committee formed to study minority welfare data
Amid these developments, the state government has also constituted a seven-member high-level committee to gather data on the social, economic, and educational status of minority communities.
This move is being seen as part of broader groundwork for future policy decisions.
