Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced key reforms in property and land administration as part of the state budget, including a significant reduction in stamp duty for women and the introduction of ownership cards to streamline land records.
To encourage women’s property ownership, the government has cut stamp duty on land registration in a woman’s name from 8% to 4%. The revised concession now applies to properties valued up to Rs 1 crore, up from the previous limit of Rs 80 lakh. This step is expected to strengthen women’s financial security and promote greater participation in asset ownership.
In addition, the state will issue ownership or “Sampatti cards” to landholders, allowing citizens to verify property details without navigating lengthy bureaucratic procedures. Sukhu emphasized that mutation of land will now be processed simultaneously with registration, addressing delays that previously stretched over years. A pilot project for expedited disposal of pending mutation cases will also be launched.
To support these reforms, 623 patwari positions are being filled to enhance the efficiency of revenue services and land record management. Verified ownership records will not only simplify property transactions but also facilitate easier access to bank loans for landowners.
On welfare measures, the government announced Rs 8 lakh in financial assistance for families affected by disasters to rebuild homes, alongside incentives and skill development support for rural livelihood initiatives. This amount had been previously raised from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh.
These initiatives reflect the state government’s broader goal of modernizing land administration, strengthening women’s property rights, and improving access to institutional finance through clearer, streamlined land ownership documentation.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
