Dispur Moves to Exempt Xattras from Paying Annual Land Tax

Collection from these organizations presently constitutes 1% of the total khajna

The State government is actively examining the practicability of exempting the Xattras (neo-Vaishnavite centres) from paying the annual land tax (khajna).

This move comes close on the heels of Barpeta Xattra making a plea to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to grant relaxation to it as "the annual khajna was turning out to be a burden for them". The xattra management pointed out in its memorandum that it has been paying khajna also for large portion of lands presently under used for public utility services including roads by different social, cultural, and educational institutions and organizations. Against such a backdrop, the xattra sought the relaxation from the State government.

As of now, all the xattras of the State pay around Rs 7 lakh as annual land revenue -- which is one per cent of the total khajna that the State exchequer collects in a fiscal.

Meanwhile following directions from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have already submitted the details of such khajna being paid by these religious organizations of Assam. The CMO has directed the Revenue and Disaster Management department to examine the matter and submit its views. However, this move will involve clearance from the Finance department as well.

Sources in the Revenue and Disaster Management department informed The Sentinel that "the proposal will take time to get going, and might get finalized only by 2020." The Chief Minister himself looks after the Revenue and Disaster Management department.

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