Assam: People Must Pay Tax To Celebrate Bihu; New Tax Policy Enrages Citizen

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• Nov 22, 2023 | Dhupali Das

According to the notice issued by the government, residents now face additional financial burdens even for celebrating cultural festivals like Bihu or...

Digital Desk: The state government has released a new tax policy that has left the citizens of Assam startled. According to the notice issued by the government, residents now face additional financial burdens even for celebrating cultural festivals like Bihu or organizing public events.

As per the notice, people must pay Rs 300 to obtain permission for cultural processions, ceremonies, events, Bihu, etc. Political rallies and meetings require a hefty fee of Rs 2,000, while all types of sporting events come with a Rs 2,000 permission fee. Street plays, awareness rallies, and similar events now demand a payment of Rs 500, while trade fairs and food fairs incur a substantial Rs 5,000 charge. Furthermore, the permission to construct a commercial in Guwahati comes with a staggering fee of Rs 50,000, while other parts of the state bear a Rs 25,000 charge. Opening petrol pumps and gas agencies requires a payment of Rs 10,000, and various verifications, including private employment, rented accommodation, and construction worker verification, now come with fees ranging from Rs 300.

Previously, the bulk of these taxes was remitted to the government, but the recent revision has seen an increase in these financial obligations. Taxes are to be paid through the Assam Police Sewa portal.

The new tax policy has sparked widespread surprise and discontent among citizens, with opposition parties accusing the Assam state government of burdening its people unnecessarily. Congress leader Mira Borthakur criticized the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government, alleging a lack of economic growth and a reliance on extracting funds from citizens to support their debt-ridden administration. As public dissent grows, the government faces increasing pressure to reconsider its controversial tax policy.