Major UP Cabinet Decisions: Rent Exemptions, New Medical College in Baghpat, and Senior Citizen Pension Reforms

Lucknow: The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has approved several key administrative, social, and economic reforms aimed at improving governance and public welfare. In a cabinet meeting held recently, proposals concerning rental agreements, healthcare education, the Shops & Commercial Establishments Act, and senior citizen pensions received approval. The government described these decisions as steps towards modernizing services and ensuring transparency.

1. Rent Registration Fee Concessions

Addressing issues related to tenancy disputes and irregularities, the cabinet has approved substantial exemptions on stamp duty and registration fees for rental agreements up to 10 years. Previously, registration was mandatory for agreements exceeding one year, but many contracts were oral or unregistered, causing disputes and revenue loss.

New Fee Structure Based on Annual Rent:

• Up to ₹2,00,000 per year: 1 year – ₹500 | 1–5 years – ₹1,500 | 5–10 years – ₹2,000
• ₹2,00,001 – ₹6,00,000 per year: 1 year – ₹1,500 | 1–5 years – ₹4,500 | 5–10 years – ₹7,500
• ₹6,00,001 – ₹10,00,000 per year: 1 year – ₹2,500 | 1–5 years – ₹6,000 | 5–10 years – ₹10,000

According to State Minister for Stamp & Registration, Ravindra Jaiswal, the move will formalize tenancy agreements, reduce disputes, and provide significant relief to citizens. Toll and mining leases are excluded from this exemption.

2. New Medical College in Baghpat (PPP Model)

To expand healthcare education, the cabinet approved the establishment of a new medical college in Baghpat under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The college will be constructed on 5.07 hectares of government land in Gram Meetli, previously under the Fisheries Department, except for 0.53 hectares under dispute.

UP currently has 80 medical colleges, but Baghpat lacked one. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna stated that the new college would enhance medical education and healthcare services in Western Uttar Pradesh.

3. Expansion of Shops & Commercial Establishments Act

The cabinet amended the Shops & Commercial Establishments Act, 1962, extending its applicability from urban areas to the entire state. Establishments employing 20 or more workers will now fall under this regulation, which guarantees employee benefits such as leave, working hours, and safety. New establishments included in the act cover clinics, polyclinics, architects, technical advisors, service providers, and consultants. Small businesses remain exempt from additional burdens.

4. Automatic Senior Citizen Pension System

For senior citizen welfare, the government announced a historic reform: no separate application will be required for pension eligibility. Under the new system, the Family ID (One Family-One Identity) database will automatically identify eligible citizens turning 60 within 90 days. The department will seek consent via SMS, WhatsApp, and calls.

If digital consent is not provided, Gram Panchayat or CSC officials will assist applicants. Approved pensions will be disbursed directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts within 15 days. A mobile app will maintain a complete digital passbook for all pension transactions. Currently, 67.5 lakh citizens receive pensions, but thousands were previously left out due to procedural gaps. The new system is expected to eliminate such exclusions.

These decisions reflect the Yogi government’s commitment to formalizing administrative processes, expanding healthcare and social welfare services, and ensuring inclusive benefits for citizens across Uttar Pradesh.