Dhami leads with bold reforms: UCC and anti-cheating laws set national model; reservation restored for statehood activists

NEW DELHI: Pushkar Singh Dhami, the youngest Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, has established a strong record of taking bold decisions and implementing them effectively. In his four-year tenure so far, he has made a mark at the national level through landmark moves like the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the anti-cheating law, and the anti-conversion law.

He has also gained recognition within the state as a people-centric leader by reintroducing reservation in government jobs for Uttarakhand statehood movement activists.

Anti-Cheating Law

To break the nexus of cheating mafias in government recruitment exams, the Dhami government enforced a strict law from February 2023 titled The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act.

This law has become a model for the country. Since its implementation, recruitment exams in Uttarakhand have been conducted transparently and on time. Earlier, recruitment processes took an average of two to three years to complete; now they are being concluded within a year. The law prescribes life imprisonment for those found guilty of leaking exam papers, facilitating cheating, or using unfair means. It also includes provisions for fines up to ₹10 crore and the confiscation of the property of offenders.

First State to Implement UCC

On 27 January 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code. Since its introduction, over two lakh registrations have already been completed under the new civil code system.

Law to Recover Damages from Rioters

To control unruly elements causing damage to public and private property during riots, strikes, and protests, the Dhami government implemented the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Act in 2024.

Under this law, individuals found guilty of damaging property during protests are required to compensate for the loss at market rates.

Stricter Gangster Act

The state government has made significant amendments to the Gangster Act, bringing crimes such as cow slaughter, human trafficking, child labour, bonded labour, exam fraud, and money laundering under its ambit. A tough law against forced religious conversions has also been introduced, with provisions for non-bailable imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹50,000 upon conviction.

Reservation for Statehood Movement Activists

The government has reinstated a 10% horizontal reservation in government jobs for those who participated in the Uttarakhand statehood movement. Chief Minister Dhami resolved long-standing legal complications surrounding the issue and successfully passed the long-pending bill in the Assembly. The law has been made effective retrospectively from 11 August 2004, validating all previous appointments of eligible activists to state government services and posts. These landmark legislative actions have not only brought national attention to the Dhami government’s governance model but have also significantly impacted public welfare and law enforcement in the state.