GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet has approved key amendments to the Assam Panchayat (Financial) Rules, 2002, aimed at simplifying business operations for small traders. The changes focus on the settlement of haats (markets), ghats, fisheries, and ponds, ensuring a more transparent and business-friendly environment in panchayat areas.
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Key Amendments:
Strict Eligibility for Asset Settlement: Individuals involved in crimes, extortion, or other heinous offenses will not be granted asset settlements. The concerned panchayat bodies (GP/AP/ZP) will provide basic facilities for markets and ghats, while lessees will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness.
Revised Taxation System: Taxes will be levied annually or biannually on regular vendors, traders, and hawkers. However, petty household producers selling items like vegetables, dairy, and agricultural products will be exempt from taxation.
Digital Trade License Platform: The Cabinet has also directed the creation of an online platform for issuing on-demand trade licenses, streamlining the process for businesses operating in panchayat areas.
The amendments are expected to boost small-scale businesses, promote transparency, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles in rural trade operations.
