Vadodara: The Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) has filed a formal complaint over the circulation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) questionnaires among students in government schools run by Vadodara’s Education Committee. According to the MCC, students were directed by school authorities to get the forms signed by their parents and return them, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.
The questionnaire, titled “A Questionnaire on Uniform Civil Code – Gujarat,” sought opinions on sensitive issues such as inheritance rights in live-in relationships, personal laws rooted in religion, and women’s rights. It also requested personal information including names, contact numbers, and signatures.
What has alarmed activists is the claim that students were allegedly threatened with being barred from exams if they failed to comply. The MCC described the move as coercive and manipulative, accusing the authorities of using educational institutions to serve political agendas.
Sagirahamed Ansari, MCC member, submitted a complaint to Ranjana Desai, Chairperson of the Gujarat UCC Committee. He condemned the exploitation of minors for political purposes and demanded accountability. Ansari also appealed to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office to intervene and uphold the sanctity of the educational system.
In response, Vadodara Education Inspector Shweta Pargi clarified that no official order had been issued to distribute or collect UCC forms in municipal schools, including Akota Primary School. Similarly, senior retired IAS officer and UCC committee member C.L. Meena affirmed that the committee only called for feedback from individuals aged 18 and above. She added that appropriate action would be taken if the complaint of coercion was found to be true.
As investigations continue, the incident highlights the growing unease around the implementation of the UCC and the need to shield students from politicized initiatives in schools.
