GUWAHATI: The recently updated tax policies by the Assam government have sparked discontent among citizens and political groups, particularly due to the imposition of a ₹300 permission fee for arranging cultural processions, including Bihu celebrations.
These alterations, initiated by the Governor of Assam, are a response to the user charges and service fees associated with various services offered through the Assam Police Citizens Service Portal, known as "Assam Police Sewa Setu."
Implemented under the provisions of Section 4 of the Assam Right to Public Services (Amendment) Act, 2019, the revised taxation and fee structure has been introduced to streamline and regulate citizen permissions for various activities.
The new policy mandates specific fees for obtaining permissions related to diverse activities:
1. Cultural Processions, including Bihu celebrations: ₹300
2. Political Rallies, Events, and Meetings: ₹2,000
3. Sports Events: ₹2,000
4. Street Plays, Awareness Rallies, and Events: ₹500
5. Trade Fairs, Food Fairs, Expos, etc.: ₹5,000
6. Petrol Pumps and Gas Agencies: ₹10,000
7. Verification of Workers Involved in Construction: ₹300
8. Verification of Rented Accommodation and PG: ₹300
9. Police Clearance for Commercial Construction (Guwahati city - GMDA area): ₹50,000
10. Police Clearance for Commercial Construction (Rest of the State): ₹25,000