West Bengal Moves Closer to UCC, Draft to Safeguard Tribal Interests: Minister

Kolkata: West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Sunday said the state is moving towards the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the draft legislation being prepared while taking into account the rights and legal protections of tribal communities.

Speaking on the proposed law, Ghosh said the implementation of the UCC was only a matter of time and that the state government was working to finalise the legislation.

He said the draft was being framed with special consideration for the distinct legal provisions applicable to tribal communities in different regions, adding that all necessary safeguards would be incorporated in the final legislation.

His remarks came a day after the state government issued a notification naming the remaining eight members of a nine-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The panel has been tasked with examining the draft Uniform Civil Code Bill, West Bengal, 2026, and submitting its recommendations.

The committee will review the proposed legislation before the government prepares the final draft, which is expected to be introduced in the West Bengal Assembly during its August session.

The state Cabinet had approved the draft UCC Bill on July 2, marking a significant step towards introducing a common civil code in the state.

Commenting on industrial development, Ghosh said West Bengal is witnessing growing interest from investors and that the government is taking steps to ensure faster approvals for new projects.

He said several companies are planning to establish industries in the state and that efforts are underway to simplify administrative procedures so projects can begin without unnecessary delays.

According to the minister, the current government is addressing hurdles that had slowed industrial investment over the past decade. He added that while some industries have already begun operations under the present administration, several more proposals are in the pipeline, with discussions continuing to facilitate fresh investments.

Ghosh expressed confidence that the state's industrial growth would gain momentum as more businesses move forward with their investment plans.

With inputs from IANS