Assam: State government issued new guidelines for haats, ghats and pounds

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: In a move to enhance revenue generation and streamline the management of key local assets, the state government has issued a fresh executive order outlining comprehensive guidelines for the settlement of haats, ghats, fisheries, animal pounds and similar properties managed by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

These rural assets, which are crucial for the state economy and serve as vital sources of revenue for PRIs, will now be governed by a structured framework approved by the Cabinet. The new policy aims to make these assets more efficiently managed and responsive to changing economic conditions.

The highlights of the new guidelines: (i) Cap on Settlement Value: The settlement value of any asset must not exceed 10% of the average of the last three years’ settlement values; (ii) Three-Tier Settlement Authority—Assets valued below Rs 5 lakh are to be settled by the Gaon Panchayat, assets between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh are to be handled by the Anchalik Panchayat, and assets above Rs 10 lakh are to be settled by the Zilla Parishad; (iii) Local Preference: Only residents of the concerned Gaon Panchayat will be eligible to lease assets at the GP level; (iv) Criminal Background Check: Individuals with criminal records or involvement in heinous crimes and extortion are barred from participating. All bidders must submit a police verification report during the bidding process; (v) Full Payment Upfront: Lessees must pay the full settlement amount at the time of signing the agreement; (vi) Fallback Management: If any asset remains unsettled, the next higher PRI body will take over its management; (vii) Dispute Resolution: Disputes at the Gaon Panchayat and Anchalik Panchayat levels will now be resolved by the Zilla Parishad, eliminating the need for government intervention; (viii) Vendor Taxation Rules: Regular vendors, traders, and hawkers will be taxed annually or biannually. However, no tax will be collected from villagers selling household or agricultural produce such as dairy items, vegetables, and betel nuts; (ix) Minimum Infrastructure Requirement: Only markets equipped with basic facilities like toilets, drinking water, and sheds will be eligible for settlement. PRIs are responsible for creating these amenities where they are absent; (x) Lessee Responsibilities: While PRIs will provide the infrastructure, lessees must maintain cleanliness and manage solid waste; (xi) Signboards Made Mandatory: PRIs must display rate charts and important information in local languages at prominent spots within markets and ghats; (xii) Jurisdictional Settlements: Ghats spanning multiple Gaon Panchayats will be settled by the Anchalik Panchayat concerned, while Ghats falling under two districts will have settlement by either of the districts.

However, open-field or roadside markets lacking amenities from the Gaon Panchayats, Anchalik Panchayats and Zilla Parishads will not come under settlement, with the exception being large-scale markets such as cattle and furniture haats valued over Rs 10 lakh.

These guidelines have been made effective immediately and are to be followed in addition to existing provisions outlined in the Model NIT for settlement procedures.

The initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing transparency, revenue efficiency, and civic management in rural local bodies.

Also Read: Assam: Demand for permanent bridge over Dhansiri River at Nikori Ghat

Also Watch: