CM Yogi Adityanath: In a significant move towards women’s empowerment and gender equality, the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to grant married daughters equal rights in their father’s ancestral property. A proposal to amend Section 108 (2) of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006 has been finalized to make this landmark change.
Current System
As per the existing law, when a landowner male passes away, his property is inherited by his widow, sons, and unmarried daughters. Married daughters are considered heirs only as a last resort, and only when no wife, son, unmarried daughter, parents, or other close relatives remain. Due to this system, many married daughters are deprived of their legitimate inheritance rights.
What Is Changing?
The proposed amendment aims to eliminate the distinction between married and unmarried daughters in the inheritance hierarchy. Wherever the terms ‘married’ or ‘unmarried’ daughter appear in the law, they will now be removed. As a result:
- Married daughters will have the same inheritance rights as sons and unmarried daughters.
- The preferential list of heirs (including the deceased landowner’s siblings) will no longer differentiate based on marital status.
Implementation Process
The amendment proposal has been drafted by the Revenue Council and will soon be sent to the state government. It will require approval from both the Cabinet and the State Legislative Assembly, as it involves a formal change in the Act.
Precedent in MP and Rajasthan
The states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already implemented such laws, granting married daughters the same rights as sons in ancestral agricultural land inheritance. These progressive steps have set an important example for other states to follow.
A Milestone for Women’s Empowerment
If passed, this reform will mark a major milestone in the journey of women’s empowerment in India. It will not only secure economic rights for daughters but also help change social attitudes that discriminate against women regarding property ownership.
This bold decision is widely seen as a step forward towards achieving gender equality and promoting fair inheritance practices in the country.
