Lucknow, February 16 The Uttar Pradesh government introduced two amendment bills in the assembly on Monday aimed at removing the term "Kushthashram" (leprosy asylum) from municipal laws. This move is intended to end discrimination against leprosy patients and ensure that they have a dignified place in society.
The Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 were presented during the Budget Session. The proposed amendments provide for the deletion of the word "Kushthashram" from the relevant provisions of civic laws.
The amendments seek to further amend the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1916. Under the proposal, the words and symbol "Kushthashram" will be omitted from Section 8(1)(b) of the Act.
According to the statement of objects and reasons, this move follows directions issued by the Supreme Court of India on May 7 last year while hearing petitions related to discrimination against persons affected by or cured of leprosy. The apex court had directed states to constitute committees to identify provisions that discriminate against or are derogatory towards such persons and to take urgent steps to remove them.
The state government said that since the legislature was not in session and immediate legislative action was required to implement the court's directions, the governor promulgated the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 on February 2.
The two bills introduced on Monday seek to replace the earlier ordinance.
They are considered to have come into effect from February 2 and are likely to be taken up for passage in the House.