Stamp Duty Amendment Sparks Debate in Himachal Assembly, but Brings Relief for Women Homebuyers
The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed a spirited debate on Thursday as the Indian Stamp (Himachal Pradesh Second Amendment) Bill, 2026, was passed by a voice vote despite strong objections from the Opposition.
Leading the criticism, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur questioned the timing of the proposed increase in stamp duty and various government fees, arguing that people were already facing financial pressures. He contended that while the state may need to generate additional revenue, the burden should not fall on ordinary families struggling with rising expenses.
Thakur highlighted that fees attached to several documents were set to rise significantly. In some cases, charges of ₹100 could increase to ₹1,000, while fees of ₹200 might go up to ₹5,000. He urged the government to consider the impact such changes could have on economically weaker sections and appealed to Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to take a compassionate approach while implementing reforms.
Defending the legislation, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi maintained that the amendments would not place an undue burden on the poor. He clarified that transactions involving Patwaris would not attract stamp duty and noted that affidavit fees had been increased by ₹100. According to the minister, many of the revised provisions are aimed primarily at income taxpayers rather than low-income households.
Negi also turned the spotlight on a provision that offers substantial relief to women purchasing property. Under the amendment, stamp duty for women has been reduced from eight per cent to four per cent for property purchases valued up to ₹1 crore. This means women registering property in their own name will enjoy a significantly lower tax burden, a move the government says is intended to strengthen women’s property ownership and economic empowerment.
The minister further argued that similar revisions in fees have been introduced in several other states and stressed that Himachal Pradesh must focus on generating its own resources, particularly in view of what the government describes as insufficient financial support from the Centre.
Apart from providing incentives for women buyers, the Bill also seeks to tighten regulations around certain General Power of Attorney (GPA) arrangements involving non-Himachalis holding property outside the state. Negi expressed concern that GPA provisions have sometimes been misused to facilitate property transactions and could potentially encourage irregularities in land dealings. The government believes stricter provisions will help improve transparency and accountability in the property sector.
The passage of the Bill on the final day of the monsoon session reflects the government’s effort to balance revenue generation with social welfare measures. While the Opposition remains concerned about the impact of higher fees on the public, the ruling side maintains that the changes are necessary for strengthening the state’s finances while simultaneously promoting women’s participation in property ownership.
With the Assembly now adjourned sine die, the amended law is set to become an important part of the state’s revenue and property framework, and its impact will be closely watched in the months ahead.
