Permission for cultural processions, cultural programmes, bihu, meetings, and conferences will now need payment of Rs 300, in accordance with the revised rules.
Digital Desk: In response to the state government's recent instruction to charge a Rs 300 fee for Bihu festivities, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded on Wednesday, November 22.
CM Sarma stated that it is crucial to remember that the state government is also providing almost 50 crore this year for the organisation of traditional cultural events, even if the government is charging Rs 300 for processing permissions.
"If we charge Rs 300 for processing a permission, it is important to note that we are allocating nearly 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," CM Sarma posted on X (Twitter).
Additionally, the chief minister said that 3,000 Raas Mahotsav committees around the state will get cash grants of Rs 25,000 each.
"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," CM Sarma posted on X.
Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said at a press conference on Wednesday night that the imposed charge is really a fee rather than a service tax.
"Government has decided to charge the public in exchange for rendering certain citizen-centric services," he said.
Earlier today, a notification issued by the Home Department of Assam Government stated, "The Governor of Assam is pleased to revise the user charges, service fees for availing the services that are focused for citizen-centric service delivery through the Assam Police Citizens Service Portal 'Assam Police Sewa Setu' notified earlier under the provisions of Section 4 of the Assam Right to Public Services (Amendment) Act, 2019."
Permission for cultural processions, cultural programmes, bihu, meetings, and conferences will now need payment of Rs 300, in accordance with the revised charges.
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