The landmark decision to abolish stamp duty on the sale of properties owned by women in Kashmir is a step towards reclaiming the agency of women.
Women have been the first casualty of turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir. But, for the first time in our history, the state is headed by a woman chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti, who has embarked on the mission to enable and empower other women.
The landmark decision to abolish stamp duty on the sale of properties owned by women is one such step towards reclaiming the agency of women. One assessment shows that the decision will reduce costs of assets, in case of purchase by a woman in urban Jammu and Kashmir, by almost seven per cent. It will also encourage Kashmir’s families to register properties in the name of women.
The United Nations Women India endorsed the decision and tweeted: “@unwomenindia acknowledges the positive measure taken by the J&K Government to abolish stamp duty on the sale of #property registered in the name of #females. Huge step towards #women’s #empowerment! @MehboobaMufti.”
To understand the significance of this landmark move in the state, we must look at how poorly women fare here. Nine per cent households in Jammu and Kashmir are headed by women and seven per cent of the population is living in women-headed households. According to government records, of the total children below 18 years of age, 11 per cent live with a single parent (mostly with mother). On the other hand, female literacy rate is abysmally low at 56.43 per cent while male literacy rate is 76.75 percent. Gross enrolment ratio at the elementary level is 84.9 per cent for boys and 87.2 per cent for girls. In the 16-17 years age group, only 63 per cent girls attend school as against 71 per cent boys.
There are just four female lawmakers in the 89-member legislative assembly.
Only 33 per cent women from Jammu and Kashmir in the age-group of 15-49 years own a house, and just 23 per cent own land. In the case of men, the figure is a staggering 81 per cent and 73 per cent respectively, as per government records.
Mufti’s decision will go a long way in reducing crime against women because women will now be seen as asset-holders and owners of their own destiny. It will increase the share of women in otherwise hugely male-dominated immovable assets sector. The property deals in the name of women were already subsidised by 25 per cent and the latest concession will make it more lucrative for women.
Most of the land deals will now be done in the name of women. This will add to the stake, security and overall status of women in Jammu and Kashmir.
Waheed Ur Rehman Para is youth president of JKPDP, and tweets at: @parawahid