Assam govt charges for citizen-centric services, triggers angry protest
On the other hand, a hefty amount of Rs 10,000 has to be paid for opening petrol pumps and gas agencies
Guwahati: In what has triggered angry protest in the state, the Assam government has introduced an updated tax policy by imposing levee on citizen-centric services like for permission to organise cultural procession, ceremonies and events including Bihu functions.
The new updated tax policy which led to massive protest by the united opposition forum on Thursday proposes that from now on, people have to pay Rs 300 for permission to organize cultural processions, ceremonies and events, including Bihu functions.
The other various fees required to be paid in the new tax policy are Rs 2,000 for organizing political rallies, events and meetings and all kinds of sports events. An amount of Rs 500 has to be paid for organizing street plays, awareness rallies and similar events. Further, in order to get permission for organizing trade fairs, food fairs and expos, an amount of Rs 5,000 has to be paid.
On the other hand, a hefty amount of Rs 10,000 has to be paid for opening petrol pumps and gas agencies. Verification of workers involved in construction and verification of rented accommodation and PG now comes with a fee ranging from Rs 300.
Moreover Rs 50,000 has to be paid for the police clearance for Commercial construction (Guwahati city - GMDA area) and Rs 25,000 for police clearance for Commercial construction (Rest of the State).
The Assam Governor has already approved these modifications in response to the fees and charges imposed on users for the services provided by the Assam Police Citizens Service Portal, also known as Assam Police Sewa Setu.
The updated fees and charges are in accordance with Section 4 of the Assam Right to Public Services (Amendment) Act, 2019. This law establishes the foundation for the revised tax and fee system for individuals who require authorization for various services.
After angry protests Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday defended the decision of his government while stating that his government has allocated Rs 50 crores for organizing traditional cultural festivals this year.
He argued that Bihu committees receive Rs 1.5 lakh from the government. In return, if a minor fee is levied on processing a permission for the state exchequer, then it should not attract criticism from the public.
Mr Sarma in a social media post wrote, “If we charge Rs 300 for processing a permission, it is important to note that we are allocating nearly Rs 50 crore this year for organizing our traditional cultural festivals. For instance, if a Bihu committee receives 1.5 lacs from the government, it is unlikely that anyone would criticize us for collecting Rs 300 for the state exchequer."
He also announced that starting this year, a financial grant of Rs 25,000 each at 3,000 locations will be provided by the Assam government to support the celebration of Raas festival.
"Our commitment to preserving and promoting our culture is of utmost importance. Starting this year, we will be providing a financial grant of Rs 25,000 for celebrating the Rass Festival in 3,000 locations. This initiative aims to support and encourage the celebration of this traditional festival across our region," the Assam CM wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, a united opposition forum comprising Congress and major opposition political parties of the state on Thursday organised a large sit-in-strike registering strong protest against the new tax policy of the government. The policy of the BJP government has invited angry reactions from various civil society groups too.