NEW DELHI: The government on Dec. 15 gave its approval to a move aimed at amending the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, giving daughters equal rights on ancestral property.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here. Briefing reporters, Information and Broadcasting Minister S. Jaipal Reddy said the existing central law was discriminatory towards daughters.

Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already introduced provisions giving daughters equal rights on family property. A bill seeking to amend the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 would now be referred to a standing committee for assessment. The cabinet also cleared the Prevention of Child Marriage Bill, 2004, to strengthen the prevailing law.