Historic Milestone: Assam Assembly Triumphs with Powerful Amendments to Land and Vehicle Laws!
On the final day of the Autumn session, the Assam Assembly enacted amendments to two land-related laws and a vehicle taxation bill. Revenue Minister Jogen Mohan presented both land-related bills, while Transport Minister Keshab Mahanta introduced the vehicle taxation bill.
One key piece of legislation, The Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2024, facilitates the transfer of special land used primarily for tea cultivation to other purposes, subject to the payment of a premium. Mohan explained that this amendment aims to simplify the process of granting rights to individuals settled on tea garden land and allows the land to be sold immediately after its conversion to revenue land.
The bill faced opposition from Congress MLA Bharat Chandra Narah, who criticized the provision for imposing fines and imprisonment for unauthorized land transfers, terming it “double punishment.” Mohan, however, dismissed these claims. Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed also opposed the requirement for a premium on officially approved land transfers, another objection that was rejected.
Additionally, The Assam Agricultural Land (Regulation of Reclassification and Transfer for Non-Agricultural Purpose) (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed. Narah called for a waiver of the premium for setting up minor industries on reclassified agricultural land. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika argued that the premium prevents misuse of the land. The bill includes a clause that reclassified agricultural land will revert to its original status if no industry is established within three years, a provision AIUDF’s Aminul Islam found ambiguous. However, Mohan assured that the original Act’s provisions would still permit agricultural activities.
Other legislation passed included The Assam Right to Public Services (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and The Assam Motor Vehicle Taxation (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Transport Minister Mahanta noted that the latter bill would benefit vehicle owners without raising taxes.
Overall, the Assam Assembly concluded its session with comprehensive amendments aiming at streamlined land use and beneficial vehicle tax regulations.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-assembly-approves-key-amendments-to-land-and-vehicle-laws-1083153-2024-08-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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