The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has announced two major initiatives for women, focusing on financial empowerment and economic independence. During the Cabinet meeting held at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, two key proposals were approved — a significant cut in stamp duty for women purchasing property and a monthly stipend under the Centre’s ‘Bima Sakhi’ scheme for LIC women agents.
The UP Cabinet has reduced the stamp duty on property purchases to just 1% if the property is registered in a woman’s name. This is a major change compared to the standard stamp duty rate of 7%, which is usually charged on property registrations in the state. This step is aimed at encouraging more women to own property and achieve financial independence.
Earlier, women were given a small benefit on stamp duty — a discount of 1% only on properties worth up to Rs 10 lakh. This meant that the maximum savings for a woman buyer were capped at Rs 10,000. With the new decision, the savings have increased significantly. Now, for a property valued at Rs 1 crore, a woman buyer will pay just 1% stamp duty, resulting in savings of up to Rs 1 lakh.
The reduced stamp duty will be applicable to property purchases across both urban and rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Officials believe this move will help lakhs of women by making property ownership more affordable and by reducing the financial burden associated with property registration. It is also expected to encourage more families to register property in the names of women, giving them greater financial security and social status.
The proposal to cut the stamp duty was presented by the Uttar Pradesh Stamp and Registration Department. It was among 38 proposals discussed during the Cabinet meeting, out of which 37 were approved. State Minister Ravindra Jaiswal stated that this initiative will not only benefit women financially but also encourage them to invest in real estate, which will lead to greater participation of women in property ownership.
Apart from the stamp duty reduction, the Yogi Cabinet also approved an income support scheme for women working as LIC agents under the Centre’s ‘Bima Sakhi’ scheme. This initiative is designed to promote financial independence among women, especially in rural areas, by giving them a regular monthly stipend along with commission earnings during their initial years of service.
Under this scheme, women agents will receive:
Rs 7,000 per month in the first year
Rs 6,000 per month in the second year
Rs 5,000 per month in the third year
This financial support aims to provide women with a stable source of income as they build their careers in the insurance sector. The scheme was launched in December 2024 and is already proving to be successful. Currently, over 2.05 lakh women are benefiting from it, working actively to promote insurance awareness and services in different parts of the state.
To be eligible for the scheme, women must be between 18 and 70 years old and have passed Class 10. After completing the necessary training, they can start working as LIC agents and begin receiving the monthly stipend. This not only provides them with financial stability but also gives them an opportunity to become self-reliant while serving their communities.
The twin decisions by the Yogi Cabinet mark a major step toward increasing women’s economic participation in Uttar Pradesh. By cutting the stamp duty to just 1%, the government has removed a major cost barrier for women who wish to buy property. This change is expected to lead to more property registrations in the names of women, thereby increasing their financial independence and social recognition.
The Bima Sakhi scheme, on the other hand, directly supports women in building a source of livelihood. By offering a steady monthly income in the initial years, the scheme motivates women to take up the role of insurance agents and create awareness about life insurance, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where insurance penetration is still low.
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Experts believe that both these initiatives will have long-term benefits. The reduction in stamp duty is likely to lead to a rise in property registrations, which will indirectly benefit the state government through higher overall property transactions. Meanwhile, the Bima Sakhi scheme will empower women by giving them a profession that ensures a regular income and financial stability.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government has consistently focused on women-centric welfare schemes, and these latest measures reinforce the state’s commitment to women’s empowerment. By making property purchases cheaper and providing steady income opportunities, the UP government is trying to create a more inclusive and financially strong society.
With these initiatives, the government expects to benefit lakhs of women across the state, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to build a secure future.
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