In a significant move aimed at boosting women's empowerment and encouraging property ownership, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a 1% stamp duty exemption for women who are buying property. This policy change, approved by the Yogi Adityanath-led cabinet, extends the benefit to properties worth up to ₹1 crore.

The decision marks a substantial increase from the previous policy, which limited the exemption to properties valued up to ₹10 lakh, with a maximum benefit of ₹10,000. Now, women property buyers can save up to ₹1 lakh on stamp duty, providing a significant financial advantage. This initiative applies to all properties, including land and houses, in both rural and urban areas of Uttar Pradesh.

State Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar explained that the government believes this initiative will empower middle-class women to become property owners, boosting their confidence, financial strength, and social respect. The exemption also aligns with the state's Mission Shakti program, which aims to promote self-reliance and empowerment among women.

Real estate experts have lauded the decision, noting that it offers greater financial security to women and is likely to stimulate interest in the mid-range housing segment across Uttar Pradesh. They also anticipate that this initiative will encourage more families to register properties in the names of women, supporting broader goals of financial inclusion and empowerment.

The Union Government had also proposed reducing stamp duty on property deeds in favor of women in the 2024 Budget, and the Uttar Pradesh government's decision aligns with this vision.

In addition to the stamp duty relief, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has been actively clearing proposals related to infrastructure and administrative policy. These include sanctioning the construction of the Chitrakoot Link Expressway and approving the distribution of advanced tablets to the youth of Uttar Pradesh under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Sashaktikaran Yojana.

The stamp duty reduction for women is expected to increase the number of property registrations in women's names, contributing to the success of the Mission Shakti campaign and promoting gender-inclusive growth. The revised stamp duty provision offers women buyers a meaningful incentive, potentially saving them up to ₹1 lakh on properties valued up to ₹1 crore. This move is anticipated to particularly benefit middle-class women seeking financial independence and property ownership.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also directed officials to cap the maximum fee for the division and registration of ancestral properties at ₹5,000, further reducing the financial burden on families. He has emphasized the importance of verifying documents and land ownership before registration to minimize land disputes and streamline the registration process through technology.