CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has introduced landmark, citizen-centric reforms to strengthen property rights and end decades-long legal uncertainties in cooperative housing societies. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, who also oversees the Cooperation Department, the government has approved a comprehensive framework to make property registration affordable, legally secure, and transparent while ensuring legitimate stamp duty recovery for the state.
Under the new measures, instruments of original allotment executed in favour of original members are fully exempted from stamp duty, with only a nominal registration fee applicable. The exemption also extends to legal heirs, spouses, and eligible family members. Additionally, highly concessional, time-bound stamp duty rates have been introduced for non-original allottees and transferees, ranging from 1 percent to 3 percent for registrations completed by March 31, 2026. A statutory cap on transfer fees has also been imposed to protect residents from arbitrary or excessive charges.
These reforms are expected to provide thousands of families with clear legal ownership, reduce disputes, and encourage formal property registration. The Department of Cooperation has issued detailed directions to Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Registrars across Punjab to ensure smooth implementation. The Chief Minister has urged all eligible residents to take advantage of this limited-period opportunity to register their properties and secure their legal rights.
