Under the leadership of Urban Development and Energy Minister A.K Sharma, an important and sensitive amendment bill was Passed in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. By Passing the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Amendment Act 2026 and the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Amendment Act, the House has taken a historic Step towards human dignity and Equality.
Minister Sharma Clearly Stated in the House that leprosy is a non-contagious disease and like many other diseases, is completely curable. He explained that the term “leprosy ashram” used in Section 115, Clause (d)(i) of the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1959 and Section 8, Clause 2(i)(b) of the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act 1916, has been deleted because this terminology has been considered discriminatory towards Persons affected by or recovered from leprosy. Minister Sharma Stated that the Supreme Court had Previously directed all states to remove such discriminatory terms from their laws. In the same vein, the Uttar Pradesh Government has set an example of social justice and sensitive administration by introducing this Amendment.
Minister A.K Sharma Stated that the State government is fully committed to the care, treatment and Rehabilitation of leprosy Patients. Adequate treatment facilities are being ensured and discrimination will not be tolerated at any level. He also appealed to society to refrain from discrimination against such individuals and to respect them.
Minister Sharma also Stated that the use of the term “leprosy home” had a negative connotation, affecting the dignity of the individuals affected.
Therefore, the decision to amend the Act was made keeping human rights and Social harmony in Mind.
On this occasion, MLA Purushottam Khandelwal from Agra, MLA Manjula Singh Mahor from Hathras and MLA Ashok Kumar from Rae Bareli expressed their gratitude to Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma for this humanitarian and visionary initiative. This amendment is not only a legal reform but also a symbol of social consciousness and sensitive governance, which further strengthens the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
