Golden Opportunity for Women in UP: Up to ₹1 Lakh Discount on Property Purchase

1. Stamp Duty Concession for Women in Uttar Pradesh: Latest Update

On July 22, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a landmark decision to increase the stamp duty concession limit for women purchasing property from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore. Under this policy, women receive a 1% stamp duty concession, resulting in savings of up to ₹1 lakh.

How Does This Benefit Work?

• In Uttar Pradesh, the standard stamp duty rate is 7% for men and 6% for women on the property’s value.

• Example: If a woman purchases a property worth ₹1 crore, she pays ₹6 lakh in stamp duty, while a man would pay ₹7 lakh, resulting in a direct saving of ₹1 lakh for the woman.

• This concession applies to both urban and rural areas, provided the property is registered in the name of a woman.

• Previously, this concession was limited to properties worth up to ₹10 lakh, offering a maximum saving of ₹10,000.

• In Gautam Buddh Nagar district, this concession took effect on July 29, 2025, and the district administration has implemented it, benefiting over 35,000 flat buyers.

Impact and Expert Opinions

• Stamp and Registration Minister Ravindra Jaiswal described this as a significant step toward women’s empowerment under the Mission Shakti program.

• Real estate experts note that this concession will encourage middle-class women to purchase homes in cities like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. However, some experts suggest that raising the limit to ₹2.5 crore or removing it entirely would make the benefit more effective in high-value markets like Noida.

• UP Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar stated that this decision will help middle-class women become property owners, boosting their confidence and social standing.

2. Hindu Succession Act 2005: Equal Rights for Daughters

The 2005 amendment to the Hindu Succession Act granted daughters equal rights to ancestral property as sons. On August 11, 2020, the Supreme Court clarified that this law applies retrospectively, covering properties from 1956 onward.

Key Points:

• The law applies to Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist families.

• Daughters, whether married or unmarried, are equal co-heirs in ancestral property.

• This law promotes social equality and supports opportunities for daughters in education, health, and preventing child marriage.

Challenges:

• Due to patriarchal mindsets, especially in rural Uttar Pradesh, families often avoid giving daughters their rightful share of property.

• Low literacy rates and lack of legal awareness prevent many women from claiming their rights.

3. UP Revenue Code 2006 and 2020 Amendment: Rights for Third Gender

The Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code 2006 is a secular law applicable to all religions. The 2020 amendment granted third-gender individuals rights to property ownership, succession, and inheritance.

Key Points:

• This amendment promotes gender inclusivity.

• However, discrimination persists between married and unmarried women. Married women are given lower priority in succession compared to male relatives and unmarried women.

• Under Sections 108–112, this discrimination is particularly evident in rural areas.

Suggestions:

• Further reforms are needed to eliminate discrimination between married and unmarried women.

• Social awareness campaigns should address patriarchal attitudes.

4. Mission Shakti: Economic and Social Empowerment of Women

Mission Shakti is a flagship initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government aimed at ensuring women’s safety, self-reliance, and empowerment.

Benefits Under Mission Shakti:

• Alongside stamp duty concessions, women are provided opportunities for self-employment and skill development.

• In rural areas, women are given work and leadership roles under schemes like MGNREGA. For example, women like Haribai from Lalitpur have become MGNREGA supervisors, earning both income and community respect.

• One-Stop Centres and the 181 Women Helpline assist women in resolving property disputes and cases of violence.

Impact:

• The program aims to benefit 12 crore women.

• Increased property ownership is strengthening women’s social and economic status.

5. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Special Provisions for Women

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Uttar Pradesh offers specific benefits to women for home purchases.

PMAY Benefits for Women:

• The scheme mandates that at least one woman be a co-owner of the property.

• Women from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG) receive a 6.5% interest subsidy and up to ₹2.67 lakh in subsidies.

• This scheme provides women with financial independence and property ownership opportunities.

Impact:

• Thousands of women in Uttar Pradesh have purchased homes in their names under PMAY, enhancing their social prestige and economic security.

6. Social and Cultural Challenges

Challenges:

• Patriarchal Mindset: In rural areas, properties are commonly registered in men’s names. Often, properties are registered in women’s names to avail concessions but later transferred to men.

• Low Literacy Rate: The female literacy rate in Uttar Pradesh is 57.18%, significantly lower than the male literacy rate of 77.28%, limiting women’s awareness of their legal rights.

• Low Property Ownership: In 2017, only 7% of single women in Mirzapur received land titles during land distribution to landless families.

Solutions:

• Launch social awareness campaigns to educate women about their rights.

• Establish legal aid centers in rural areas.

• Promote education and skill development to empower women.

7. Other Financial and Social Benefits

• Tax Benefits: If a woman co-owns a property with her husband and has her own income source, she can claim tax deductions under the Income Tax Act, doubling the family’s tax benefits.

• Home Loan Concessions: Many banks, such as SBI and HDFC, offer home loans to women at lower interest rates (0.05% to 0.10% less).

• Social Respect: Property ownership empowers women with greater decision-making authority in family and social matters.

Verified Facts and Figures

• Population: Uttar Pradesh has a total population of 19.98 crore, with 9.53 crore women.

• Literacy Rate: Female literacy is 57.18%, compared to 77.28% for males.

• Labour Force Participation: Women’s labour force participation rate in UP is 33%, lower than the national average.

• Crime Against Women: In 2022, UP recorded a 70.8% conviction rate for crimes against women, significantly higher than the national average of 25.3%.

• Property Ownership: In 2017, only 7% of single women in Mirzapur received land titles during land distribution.

The Way Forward

• Legal Reforms: Eliminate discrimination between married and unmarried women in the UP Revenue Code.

• Awareness Campaigns: Educate women in rural and urban areas about their property rights.

• Digital Integration: Simplify stamp duty and registration processes through platforms like the Nivesh Mitra portal.

• Education and Skill Development: Promote female literacy and skill development for economic empowerment.

Conclusion

The Uttar Pradesh government’s stamp duty concession, the Hindu Succession Act, and the PMAY schemes provide women with a golden opportunity to become property owners. These initiatives are not just financial incentives but significant steps toward social and economic empowerment. However, challenges like social stereotypes and low literacy rates require further efforts.

Advice for Women: If you’re planning to purchase property in Uttar Pradesh, leverage these schemes. Understand your legal rights and register your dream home in your name. This will secure your future and empower you.

Note: This blog is based on the latest verified information. Consult a legal or financial expert before making any decisions.