Assam act 8 of 1936 : The ASSAM LAND REVENUE RE-ASSESSMENT ACT, 1936

Department
  • Department of Revenue Department

/' ,

I

THE ASS~-1 ~~AND REVENUE RE- ASSE$MENT ACT, 1936 (ASSAM ACT VIII OF 1936)

(As amended upto date ) An

Act to rogu~ate re-assessment of Land Revenue in

Assam

Whereas it is expedient that the process of revising the assessment of the land revenue in Assam should be brought under close r r egulation by statute :

It is hereby enacted as follows : -

CHAPTER I Preliminary

1 . (1) This Act may be callGd the Ass- am Land Revenue Re - assessment Act, 1936 .

(2) It extends to those areas in the 1 State of Assam in which section 29 of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886 (hereinafter r eferred to as the Regulation) is, or may be , in force and in such areas the provisions of the Regulation shall be subject to the pro- visions of this Act .

(3) It shall come into force at once

Preamble

Short title .

Extent

1 Substituted for the words "Province" by the .Adap- tation of Laws and Order, 1950.

‘1: THE ASSAM LAND REVENUE m-ASSESSNEENT ACT, 1936 (ASSAM ACT VIII OF 1936) (As amended upto date ) An Act to regulate r-e-assessment of Land Revenue in Assam Whereas it is cxpmjient that the Preamble process of revising the assessment of the land revenue in Assam should be brought under closer regulation by statute : It is hereby enacted as follows :- CHAPTER 1 Preliminary 1. (1) This ACt may be called the 1155- Short am Land Revenue. Re-assessment Act, 1936. title. (2) It extends to those areas in the Extent 1 State of Assam in which section 29 of the Assam land and Revenue Regulation, 1886 (hereinafter referred to as the Regulation) is, or may be, in force and in such areas the provisions of the Regulation shall be subject to the pro— visions of this Act. (3) It shall come into force at once 4..-.7 R 1 Substituted for the words "Province" by the Adap- tation of Laws and OrQLr, 1950.

- 2 -

Provided that anythin which had already bLen done under the Regulation (or the rules made under the Regulation ), but; for the doing of which this Act pre: scrib(.d new conditions or a new pro - cedure , sha1J be deemLd to have been done in ac::::ordance with the provisions of this Act~ 2. In thls Act, unless a different Definitions intention appears from the subject or context, -

(i) the t~rms defined in t he Regulation and not defined in t his Act, shall have the same meanings as in t he Regulation .

(ii)" village" means, subject to "Villagt.

(fil)

any general or special orders of the 1 Sta t e Government, the Area surveyEd and r ecor- ded in any survey .made by or under the authority of the Go~rnment as a dist:nct and separate village; "established village" means a village whe re in the opinion of the 1 State Gover nment; (a) the cultivated fields and

homesteads are pe r manent , and

(b) the area of waste land, se - ttled and assessed as waste or aYailable for se ttlemen-t is inconsiderable .

"Establish- ed village "

1 Substituted for the word "Province " by the Adapta- tion Laws Order 1950.

-2- Provided that anythin which had. already be en done under the Regulation (or the rules made under the REgulation ), but for the doing of which this Act prescribed new conditions or a new pro— cedure, shall be deemed to have been done in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 2. In this Act, unless a different Definitions intention appears from the subject or context, - (i) the terms defined in the Regulation and not defined in this Act, shall have the same meanings as in the Regulation. (ii)"village" means, subject to "Village any general or special orders of the _1_ State Government, the Area surveyed and recor- ded in any survey made by or under the authority of the Government as a distinct and separate village; ‘ (iii) “established vill e" means a "Establish— village where in t 6 Opinion ed village" of the 1_ State Government; (a) the cultivated fields and homesteads are permanent, and (b) the area of waste land, se- ttled and assessed as waste , or available for settlement is inconsiderable. 1_ Snbstitutcd for the word "Province" by the Adapta- tion Laws Order 1950.

-3 - (1v) "ir.lmature village" means a

villag~ which is not an e st- ablished village .

"Immature village".

(v) "asse ssment group" means a group of villages or e states wich are included by the sett- lement Officer, subje ct to

"Asse ssment gr oup" .

rule , in one se t of prpposals for assc ssment;

(vi) "prescribed" means pre scribed by rule s under this Act;

"Pre scribed"

(v.11) "rule" means a rule made under this Act;

"Rule"

(v:tli)" settlement" with re:fe r ence t o c:.ny local area or class of est- a t l s means a special pperation carri ed out in purruance of a notification under section 18

"Set tlement"

of t he Regulation f or the re- vision of t he land r evenue de- mand of that local area or class of e sta tes;

(ix) "major se ttleme nt" means a sett- l ement of any local area or class of es t ates extending oVt; r not l oss than 20 square miles;

(x) "last se t tlement 11 with r ef e r en- ce to any local area or class of esta tes means the last gen- eral r evision of the land reve - nue dewand of that area or class of es t a tes whethe r carried out in pursuance of a notification unde r sec tion 18 of the Regula- tion or not ;

"Maj or se ttlement"

" Last set- tlement".

—3_ (1v) “immature village" means a. "Immature village which is not an est- village". ablished village . (v) "assessment group" means a "Assessment group of villages or estates group‘ . wich are included by the Sttt- , lement Officer, subject to rule, in one set of prpposals for assessment; (vi) "prescribed“ means prescribed "Prescribed" by rules under this Act; (vii) "rule" means a rule made under "Rule" this Act; (viii)"settlement“ with reference to "Settlement" any local area or class of est— ates means a. special pperation carried out in purrusnce or a notification under section 18 of the Regulation for the re~ vision of the land revenue de- mand of that local area or class of estates; (ix) “major settlement" means a sett- "Major lement of any local area or sattlement" class of estates extending over not less than 20 square miles; (x) "last settlement" with refercn- "Last set— ce to any local area or class tlement". of estates means the last gen- eral revision of the land reve- nue demand of that area or class of estates whether carried out in pursuance of a notification under section 18 of the Regula- tion or not; , .4‘-»~’ .-

* 1

I

"'

-4- * (xi) 11 town land" means any land "Town land"

within an area declared or deemed to be a ounicipality or notified area under the A~sam Munici pal Ac t, 1923 (Assam Act I of 1923) and any othe r :?and w!'lich the 1 State Gover - rllllent may declar e under t he Assrun land f.U1d Revenue Regula - tion 1886 (Regulation I of 1886) or under provisions of t his Act, to be town land;

(xll) "special cultiva tion" means "Special cul- cultivation which invol ve s tivation". either owing to the nature of' the crop or owing to the pro- cc ss of cultivation a much l arger expGndi ture of capit al pv r acre than is incurred by most of the cultivators in tre 1 State.

3. (1) The State Gove rnmen] may at any time by notification, signify its int- ention to declare any specified area which is not already town l and t o r ~ town land f or the purpose of this Act .

Declaration of any spe - cified area as t own land .

(2) A copy of the notification unde r sub-section ( 1 ) shall be published in such place s within the arE: a concerned and e lsewhere as t he State Government may by general or S'O€cial order dire ct .

(3) Any person aff ected by the pro- posed doclaration may, within six weeks from the date of publicati on of the

Vide As~am Act XIV of 1957.

I

Substitut~d for the worM. "Province" by Adaptation of Laws and Order , 1950.

,

4+- .V ‘:~' s * (xi) "town land“ means any land “Town land" within an area declared or deemed to be a municipality - or notified area under the Assam Municipal Act, 1923 (Assam Act I of 1923) and any other A land which the 1 State Gover- ‘ mnent may declare under the Assam land and Revenue Ragula— tion 1886 (Regulation I of 18863 or under provisions of this Act, to be town land; (xii) "special cultivation" means "Special cul- cultivation which involves tivation". either owing to the nature of the crop or owing to the pro— ce 35 of cultivation a much larger expenditure of capital per acre than is incurred by most of the cultivators in th: 1 State. 3. (1) The State Government may at any Declaration time by notification, signify its int- of any spe- ention to declare any specified area cified arc-a which is not already town land to Te as town land. town land for the purpose of this Act. (2) A copy of the notification under sub—section (1) shall be published in ' such plact 5 within the area concerned and elsewhere as the State Government may by general or special order direct. (3) Any person affected by the pro- poscd declaration may within six weeks "3 from the date of publication of the Vide Asram ACt XIV of 1957. 1 Substituted for the worn "Province" by Adaptation of Laws and Order, 1950.

..

... _ -5-

notification, submit any objGction in writing to the 1 State Government through t he Deputy Canmissione r and the 1 State Government shall t ake t his- objection into consideration.

(4) After considering all the objection re ceived under sub-section (3), t he Sua~8 Government may, by no- tification, de~lare the area or any par·t ther eof to be town land for the purpose of this Act . 4. Nothing in this Act shall apply to ·t;he settlement of land ove r which no pe rson ha~ the right of a propri- e tor or se ttlement -holder. 5. Notwit hstanding anything, cont- ained in sec tion 18 of the Regula- tions th~ notification mentioned the r 0in shall be issued in the case of eve ry major se ttleoent and of every settlem€nt of town land not included in a major se ttlement . 6 . (1) Befor e i s suing any r.otifi - cation of settlement under section 18 of the Regulation for any l ocal ar ea or class of estates, the State Government shall require fr om an officer appointed for the purpose a forecas t report . The r eport shall explain the main f actors justifying a revision of t he as se ssment and shall

Bar to appli - cation of Act t;o certain land. Issue of fic;ition o:-i.j or and wn land se 1i - lerren-t .

Forecast report .

i:11fiicate the probable financial #' #'results of e stateJ , as a wbole, and also , as far the settlement as can be f ore seen, of each part of local area tht r eof which is distinct in characte r . or class of The report shall be published in the Gazette at least three months befor e the issue of the notification of

-5- notification, submit any objection in writing to the 1 State Government through the Deputy Commissioner and the 1_ State Government shall take this objection into consideration. (1+) After considering all the ob (action received under sub—section (3 , the State Government may, by no- tification, declare the area. or any part thereof to be town land for the purpose of this Act. in Nothing in this Act shall apply Baz- to appli- to the settlement of land over which cation of Act no person has the right of a propri— to certain etor or settlement—holder. land. 5‘ Notwithstandin anyt , cont— Issue of ti- ained in section 1 of the g'ula- fication tions the notification mentioned major and — therein shall be issued in the case wn land set - of every m'aj or settlement and of lenen—t. every settlement of town land not included in a major settlement. 6. (1) Before issuing any notifi- Fomcast cation of settlement under section report. 18 of the Regulation for any local area or class of estates, the State Government shall require from an officer appointed for the purpoae a forecast report. The report shall explain the main factors justifying a revision of the assessment and shall inflicate the probable financial/9’ 5’ results of estates, as a whole, and also, as far the settlement as can be foreseen, of each part Of local area thereof which is distinct in character. or class of The report shall be published in the Gazette at least three months before the issue of the notification of

I

-6-

settleaent and along with the report thert shall be nublishcd a notice sp€ cifying a da:'.;c on or after which :t is propo3cd t o issue the notification and t he State Governmnn t shall consi- der nny obiectibn or suggE.stion with respect Go the proposE.d notif'ication the.t may be r eceiYE:d before the date so specified from any person likely to be affected thereby.

(2) If the local are a to be se t tled is not less than a subdivision of a district or if the cla ss of e sta tes to be so ttled e xtends over more than one subdivision, the officer appointed f or the preparation of the fore cast r e - port shall be an office r not below the rank of Extra Assistant Commissione r and he shall be reli eved of all othe r duties f or such period as the State Government may judge t o be necessary for the pr ope r preparation of the r eport .

CHAPTER II

RE - .ASSESSMENT OF LAND NOT ·BEING TOWN LAND

7 . The provisions of this part shall apply to the settlement of any local area or class of e state s not being t own lru:id, and in applying them, town l and shall be l Lft out of account.

8~ In t he framing of general propo- sals of r e - as so ssment for each assess- ment group , the Sett l ement Office r shall have r E.gard t o the change s which have ofcurred in the locality since the fixing of the existing assessment, mor e particularly in r e spect of -

Bar t o appli- ca tion of provisions of Part II to town land .

General pro- posals of rE. - assessment.

.. ....,

—6- i settlement and along with the report there shall be nublished a notice specifying a date on or after which :I: is proposed to issue the notification and the State Government shall consi— der any objection or suggestion with respect to the proposed notification that may be received before the date so specified from any person likely to be affectcd thereby. (2) If the local area to be settled is not less than a subdivision of a district or if the class of estates to be settled extends over more than one subdivision, the officer appointed for the preparation of the forecast re- port shall be an officer not below the rank of Extra Assistant Commissioner and he shall be relieved of all other duties for such period as the State Government may judge to be necessary for the proper preparation of the report. CHAPTER II REE—ASSESSMENT OF LAND NOT BEING TOWN LAND 7. The provisions of this part shall Bar to appli— apply to the settlement of any local cation of area or class of estates not being provisions town land and in applying them, town of Part II to land shall be left out of account. town land. 8. In the framing of general propo- General pro- sals of re—assessment for each assess- posals of re- ment group, the Settlement Officer assessment, shall have regard to the changes which have oécurred in the locality since the fixing of the existing assessment, more particularly in respect of -

. ...__

,

...

(i) -7 -

the economic condition of those who live mainly by agriculture,

(ii ) t he value of agricultural pro- duce ,

Ciii) the cost of production, and (iv) th~ letting and selling value

cf l anJo 9~ (1) S~bject to t he provisions of

section 25, in the determination of the amotn1t of the assessment proper for each estate the villages and the fields shall be c~assified and a fair rate per bigha shall be fixed for each class of land in each class of village :

Provided that land settled or used for special cultivation may be assessed at a fair all-round rate per bigha.

(2) In classifying the villages within each assessment group for the purpose of determining how the revised assessment of the group should be dist - ributed amongst them, the Settlement Officer shall have regard to their exi - sting assessment and to their relative advantages and disadvantages more par - ticularly in respect of -

(i) the fertility of the soil, (ii) the economic condition of

those who live mainly by agriculture ,

Detailed assessme - nt of estates .

... (iii) facilities of communication, acce ssi'bll:t ty to markets , and liability to damage by natural causes or frcrn wild animals .

(3) In classifying the fields the Settlement Officer shall have regard to

-7- (i) the economic condition of those who live mainly by agriculture, (11) the value of agricultural pro- dune, (iii) the cost of production, and (iv) the letting and selling value cf lani. 9. (1) Subject to the provisions of section 25, in the determination of the amount of the assessment proper for each estate the villages and the fields shall be classified and a fair rate per bigha shall be fixed for each class of land in each class of village : Provided that land settled or used for special cultivation may be assessed at a fair all—round rate per bigha. (2) In classifying the villages within each assessment group for the purpose of determining howthe revised assessment of the group should be dist- ributed amongst them, the Settlement Officer shall have regard to their exi- sting aseessment and to their relative advantages and disadvantages more par- ticularly in r8spect of - (i) the fertility of the soil, (ii) the economic condition of those who live mainly by agriculture, (iii) facilities of communication, accessibility to markets, and liability todamage by natural causes or from wild animals . (3) In classifying the fields the Settlement Officer shall have regard to Detailed assessme— nt of estates.

-8-

the ca:npara tive value of the land for the purposes of agr iculture .

100 The land r evenue of an estate shall not be liabl e to enhancement on the ground of drainage works, irrigatie on works, :r .::;::...1.ilat' improvements eff - ec t ed since i;be la3t settlement at the expensesJunder ~im or of any agency other than Governmemt or a local Auth - ority, except Village Authoritjes und- er tbe Assam Rural Self-Government Act .

11 . (1) The total r evenue assess- ed on an assessment group shall not exceed 1 O per cent of the gross pro- duce of the group as dete rmi ned by t he Settlement Office r .

(2) The incidence of the revenue , that is to say , the total r evenue assessed divided by the tot al settled area on which it is asse ssed, shall not e xceed the incidence of t he revenue immediately before the se t t - l ement by more than * 30 per cent in the case of the enire area or class of es' ate s notified for settlement or by more than *50 per cent in the case of any village , which was an established village at t he last settlement.

Bar to enh- ancement on account of improve men ts .

Limitation of demand .

Limita t:i. of enhanc.. ment .

*Provided that for the purpose of applying this sub- section, any land which,

- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - *Vide Assam A~ t XIV of 19)7.

# of the Settlement -bolder or of any person holding

"'I--

-8- the comparative value of the land for the purposes of agriculture. 10. The. land revenue of an estate shall not be Liable to enhancement on the ground of drainage works, irrigatia on works, or similar improvements eff— ected since the 1 st settlement at the expenseslunder him or' of any ‘agency other than Government or a local Auth— ority, except Village Authorities und- er the Assam Rural Self-Government Act. 11. (1) The total revenue assess- ed on an assessment group shall not exceed 10 per cent of the gross pro- duce of the group as determined by the Settlement Officer. (2) The incidence of the revenue, that is to say the total revenue assessed divided by the total settled area on which it is assessed, shall not exceed the incidence of the revenue immediately before the sett- lement by more than *30 per cent in the case of the shire area or class of es'ates notified for settlement or by more than *50 per cent in the case of any village, which was an established village at the last settlement. *Provide‘d that for the purpose of Bar to enh— ancement on account of improvements . Limitation of demand . Limitati of enhanc ment . applying this sub—section, any land which, *Vide Assam Act XIV of 1957. I of the Settlement—holder or of any person holding

- 9-

in t he opinion of the State Government had, i mmediately before the settlement been held on· concessional t Erms or settled or used for special cultivation or any villages which were immature a t the time 0~ :~e last se ttlement , shall b e left o..it of account , and the limi- tations ment1o:ied in sub-section (2) shall not apply to such lands .

12 . (1) If the tonal r evenue ass - e ssed under this part on all the e sta- t e s held by the same owne r or set of co-owners within any *village e xceeds the forme r revenue on the same area and the revenue as thus enhanced e ni- ceds ~e*15 then subject as her e inaf- t e r provided,

(a)

(b)

in any case in which the enhancement exceeds 25 per cent but does not exceed 100 per cent of the old revenue , it shall be eff- ected gradually by quin- quennial increm~nts each not exceeding 25 per cent of the old revenue; in any case in which the enhahcement exceeds 100 per cent of the old reve - nue the case shall be r e - f e rred to the 1State Gov- ernment for orders .

(2) When the old r evenue is less than Ps .*15 and the enhanced r eve - nue exceeds ~ . *15 the old revenue shall

* Vide Assam Act XIV of 1957.

Graduated enhanceme - nt .

1 Substituted for the word ' Provincial' by Adaption Laws Or der, 1950.

-9- in the opinion of the State Government had, immediately before the settlement been held on" concessional terms or settled. or used for special cultivation or any villages which were immature at the time 9:“ the last settlement, shall he left out of account, and the 11mi- tations mentioned in sub—section (2) shall not apply to such lands. 12. (1) If the total revenue ass— Graduated esged under this part on all the esta— enhanceme— tes held by the same owner or set of nt. co—owners within any *village exceeds the former revenue on the same area and the revenue as thus enhanced exa- ceds Fs.*15 then subject as hereinaf- ' ter provided, (a) in any case in which the enhancement exceeds 25 per cent but does not exceed 100 per cent of the old revenue, it shall be eff— “ ected gradually by quinv quennial increments each not exceeding 25 per cent of the old revenue; (1:) in any case in which the enhancement exceeds 100 per cent of the old reve- nue the case shall be re- ferred to the lstate Gov- ernment. for orders. (2) When the old revenue is less than Fs.*15’ and the enhanced reve— nue exceeds Rs.*1‘5 the old revenue shall * Vide Assam Act XIX? of 1937. l Substituted for the word 'Provincial‘ by Adaption Laws Order, 1950.

..

- 10-

be taken to be ~~*15 for the purpose of applyil).g sub- section (1) .

(J) It shall be the duty of the Settlement Officer, at the time of offerj_ng settlement, to endeavour to give effc;ct to ·i;ne concession mentioned in sub -seclio~ (1) , and in case of ommi- ssion, it shall be opened to the settle - ment-holder to aprly for it to the Sett - lement Officer within one year of the offer of settlement.

*Provided that the concession men- tioned in the sub- section (1 ) above shall not be available for any land which, in the opinion of the State Gov- ernment had, immediately b8fore the settlement, been held on concessional terms or settled or used for special cultivation.

13 . The term for which the land revenue is assessed shall not be less than 30 years, provided -

Term of ass - essment .

(1) that the State Government may fix a shorte:" term for villages whi-

ch arc immature , or which, having been immature at the last settlement , were ass - igned a shorter term than the re st of the assessment group in which they were i:.1cluded, and

(ii)tnat the offer of settle - ment of any land which i s assessed as used f or agri -

* Vide Assam Act XIV of 1957 •

-10- be taken to be Rs.*15 for the purpose of applying sub—section (1). (3) It shall be the duty of the Settlement Officer, at the time of offering settlement, to endeavour to give effect to the concession mentioned in sub—section (1), and in case of' unmi- ssion, it shall be opened to the settle— ment-holder to apnly for it to the Sett— lement Officer within one year of the offer of settlement. *Provided that the concession men— tioned in the sub-section (1) above shall not be available for any land which, in the opinion of the State Gov— ernment had, immediately before the settlement, been held on concessional terms or settled or used for special cultivation. 9.,- 13. The term for which the land Term of ass— revenue is assessed shall not be less essment. than 30 years, provided -— (1) that the State Government may fix a shorter term for villages whi- ch are immature, or which, having been immature at the last settlement, were ass— igned a shorter term than the rest of the assessment group in which they were included, and (ii) that the offer of settle— ment of any land which is assessed as used for agri- * Vide Assam Act XIV of 1957.

a

_11 -

-cultural purposes may cont- ain a condition that if the land is used for commercial or industrial purposes *or if the soil of any estate has permanently improved or deterioratrd through causes beyond the control of the settlement holder the assessment may be revi- sed in the prescribed mann- er before the expiration of the term of the lease .

* (tij) that, if, after the expiry of every fifteen years, tl'la average level of ·prices of Agricultu:ral produce for the last fifteen years has, in the opinion of the State Government changed by more than 25 per cent fr om the avGrage price level of the period of fifteen years preceding the last fifteen years, t hen the assessment may be reYised at any time after the expiration of the last fifteen years by incre- asing or reducing the asse- ssment accordzilng ~c as the prices aise or fall, in the manner set out below : -

..

Changes in prices (a) .}:.pto 25 per cent (b) Above 25 per cent

Changes in Land revenue •1 Nil.

3& pe .. u r cenu. - - ~ ~~~~~~~~~- -~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Vide Assam Act XIV of 1957.

- -

-11- -cu1tura1 purposes may cont- ain a condition that if the land is used for commercial or industrial purpOSes *or if the soil of any estate has permanently 111113er or deteriorated through ‘ causes beyond the control of the settlement holder the assessment may be revi- sed in the prescribed mann— er before the expiration of the term of the lease. *(111) that, if, after the expiry of every fifteen years, the average level of ‘prices of Agricultural produce for the last fifteen years has, in the opinion of the State Government changed by more than 25 per cent from the average price level of the period of fifteen years preceding the last fifteen years, then the assessment may be revised at any time after the expiration of the last fifteen years by incre— asing or reducing the esse- ssment according to as the prices else or fall, in the manner set out below :- Changes in prices Changes in Land revenue (:1) finto 25 per cent .1 N11. (b) have 25 per cent 3g per cent. * Vida Assam Act XIV of 1957.

(c)

-1 2 -

and but not above 31t per cent . Above 31t per cent but not above 37t per

64 per cent. cen·i:; ,

:~1 98 per cent . (d) !~~~ ~~l ~~ g~g~ . but (c) Above 43-:f per cent "2 1 t 1 2 per cen •

CHAPTER III RE - ASSESSMENT OF TOltlN LAND

14. The provisions of this Part shall apply only to town land under se ttlement,

. t: ~l1.10

15. Town land shall be divided the following main classes : -

(a) agricultural land (:L11 - cluding agri~ultural 1·.:: sidancc s),

(b) residential sites,

(c ) ::r adc s:::. te s.

Applications of provisions cf Part III to town land.

Division of town land in- to classes .

The Settlement Officer may make as many sub - classes under each main class as he considers necessary,

16. The r ate s of r evenue for ag - Rate s of re - ri~ultural 1lkand ~ihnll not 8:x.ceed by mor -venue for re i;han 7t per cen-i;, the r ates fixed agricultural for similar land in the highest rated land. adjoining vi llage.

! 7. The r a t es of reYenue fixad f o:c la.nd se ttJ.ed with a righ r. of r ene - ,,ral and classed as resident:i.al sites shall not e xceed 25 per cent cf the an.1 .1 al value of the site s •

Rates of r e - venue for land classed as residenti- a: si t es .

..

.12.. and but not above 31-}, per cent. 1 (c) Above 31-} per cent 6.; per cent. but not above 374;- per ceng. ((1) Above [2% geer cent but 93pm- cent. above r cent. (c) Above 1+3}. per cent 12% per cent. CHAPTER III BE—ASSESSMENT OF TOWN LAND 1‘+. The provisions of this Part Applications shall apply only to town land under of provisions settlement, of Part III to town land. 15. Town land shall be divided Division of into the following main classes :- town land in— l (a) agricultural land (in- “o classes. eluding agricultural re sidenrc s) , (b) residential sites, (c) trade sites. The Settlement Officer may make as many sub—classes under each main class as he considers necessary“ 16. The rates of reVenue for ag- Rates of re— ricultural Rand shall not exceed by nor—vanue for re than 7% Per cent, the rates _ixed agricultural for similar land in the highest rated land. adjoining Village. 17. The rates of revenue fixed Rates of re- for land settled with a right of rene- venue for w 1. and classed as residential sites land classed shall not exceed 25 per cent of the as residenti- al value of" the sites. al‘sites.

. ,.-

-1 3-

18 . The rates of reve nue for land Rates of re - settled with a right of renewal and "1e:-iue :fis::: 0~1 classed as trade sites shall not exceed land classed 50 per cent of the annual value of the as trade sit - sites . e s.

19c The rates of revenue for Rates of r e - land settled without a right of renewal venue for for a period not exceeding three years temporar y shall not exceed the full annual value settled land. of the sites.

Explanation : - For the purposes of se ctions 17 , 18 and 19 the annual value , shall mean the gross annual rent at '.vhich land may be reasonably e:x.-pected to let and shall be determined. where - ever possible , frcm recent records of sales and leases relating to lands 0£ a sirniJ.ar de script ion and wi th sj_rnilar ad-vantages in tbe vi~ini VJ •

20 . (1) The provisions of section 12 shall apply to agriculDJ~al land.

(2) If the total revenue ass - o~sed on all tne r esid8ntial ;;ites hcli by the sa:ns owne~' or set cf co·- cv:ners within a tovm excecC::.u the 1 or- mer revanue on the sarne area and the II er::1ancement shall be effected g:-ndually by trj ~nnia.1 i ncrements each not excee - dtng 25 per cent of thc tot c:~l e nhe.nceme: t

>'<:Provided that; in 0-'1Y case in which the en~ancer1en-c exceeds 400 pe r cent of the: old r evenue, the case shall be refe - 3"red. to t he State Govern::nent for orders ..

Graduated enhancement of revenue on agricul 'ti-...l ural land and re sid.e - nM.al sites.

II revenue as thus enhanced exceeds RsQ 15, then the

.13- 18. The rates of revenue for land Rates of re— settled with a right of renewal and venue £52 on classed as trade sites shall not exceed land classeu 50 per cent of the annual value of the as trade sit— sites. 4 es. 19. The rates of revenue for Rates of re- land settled without a right of renewal venue for for a period not exceeding three years shall not exceed the full annual value of the sites. Explanation :- For the purposes of sections 17,18 and 19 the annual value, shall mean the gross annual rent at which land may be reasonably expected to let and shall be determined, where- ever possible, from recent records of sales and leases relating to lands of a similar description and with similar advantages in the vicinity. 20. (.1) The provisions of section 12 shall apply to agricultural land. (2) If the total revenue ass- essed on all the residential :rites heli by the same owner or set- cf co— mmers within a tovm exceeds 1; for- mer revenue on the same area and the fi/ enhancement shall be effected gradually by triennial increments each not excee— temporary se ttled land. Graduated enhancement of revenue on agriculta ural land and re side— ntial sites. ding 25 per cent of the total enhancemen t : “Provided that in any case in which the enhancement exceeds 14-00 per cent of the old revenue, the case shall be refe— rred to the State Government for orders. . flrevenue as thus enhanced exceeds 55. 15, then the

- 14- (i) When the old revenue is less

thah ~ . *15 and the enhanced revenue exceeds~ . *15 the old revenue s~all be taken to be ~ . *1 5 for the purpose of applying sub-section (2) .

21. F Jr l<....rid settled with a right of renewal the t e rm for which revenue is assessed shall be not less than 30 years :

Pr ovided that for r easons. to be re- co:cC.ed the term of set tlement may be for a shor ·te r pe riod :

Provided also tnat the lease which is issued for such land may provide that the revenue may be re-assessed before t11e expiry of the term of tbe lec-.se if ii:; appears to the Denuty Commissioner that (a) a5ricultural la!1d has been con- "l"te:rted into a re sidentiaJ. site or a trade sitP or ~,· ice-versa or (b) a resjdential site has been ~c...,v-er·ced in:o a t::-ade .1t te or vice -ver~a~

CEA?~R rl GENE:=lAL

Term of a f- se s sme n t .

22. E:xcept as ot}.(;·:wi se prarid.ed. 3

trus P:::.rt; ~Jhall i:!T'ply -l;o the ssttle- menc cf a~iy local ar'32. or class cf es~a.te ~;, whether compr::.::;ing town land 01'." not ..

23 o (1) The class if :Liiation of every ?teld or site shall, if so required by

Appltca t j.o::.. of provisi··· ons of Part IV to sett l e - ment of cer- tain class of land,

·~be se t:tlemen-b holder~ be de ciC.ed after Clas sifica- : )C;c>.l inquir y by an o:'ficer n0t below t ion of J.and . tr.e :rank of Assistant Se :;t2-ement Officer .

- - - ....... _.,.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ -- ~ Vica Assam Act XIV of 1957 .

7"

_1‘+_ (Q) When the old revenue is less thah Rs. 15 and the enhanced revenue exceeds Rs. *15 the old revenue shall be taken to be Rs. *15 for the purpose of applying sub—section (2). 21 . Far lend settled with a right Term of ‘ of renewal the term for which revenue assessment. 'é is assessed shall be not less than 30 years ' as... Provided that for reasons. to be re— corded the term of settlement may be for a shorter period t Provided also that the lease which is issued for such land may provide that the re venue may be rE-assessed before the expiry of the term of the lease if apgears to the Deputy Commissioner .at ta) agricultural land has been con- ve ted into a residential site or a trade or vice-verse or (b) a residential has been converted. into a trade te or vice—verse. ' CHASSIS)" I7 GENERAL 22., Except as oi-herwise provided, Application this kart shall apply “0 the s- utle— of provis1~~ me J: of any local area or class of ons of Part estates, whether comprising town land IV to settle— or- not, ment of cer- tain class 23.] (1) The classification of every of land. field or site shall, if so required by . e settlement holder, be decided after Classifica— ' ,l inquiry by an officer not below tion of land. c rank of Assistant Settlement Officer. 2‘ Vide Assam ACt XIVv of 19:77-

I

-15- (2) The settlement -holder may ,

within thirty days of any decision under su1:-·section (1 ) , arpeal to the Settle- me1t Offic~r , or to any Additional Sett- lmdmt Officer that may be appointed by tile State 1 Government for the pur - p~e of this section, who shall decide Ue correc~ class if ica·~ion ti'~er local i~qr .. iry . The order of 7ihe s~ ttlement 0.'ficer or .Addi tionn.l Sat tle:ne nt Off i - C3r sha.11 subject to the provisions of @ction 151 of the Regulation, oe final .

(3) Notwithstanding anything con- VII of tained in the Court - fees Act, 1870, there 1870. shall be payable on ar..y petition of app·- e~: p~esented under sub-se~tion (2) a court - fee calculated at the rate of one rupee for each fie ld or site =-~eluded the~·eL, su::>iect to a maximum o~~ IL~20 :.:i res-.:.,ect of field or sites ~iti.1atc d in the s.::i:n'3 i.rillage, the petition~r bein~ en~i- ·~J..t::d , if ·i;he apre al is su;!ce ssful, to the refur..d of the fee in propo=tion to his success .

~4 . (1) '!':.1e Set:le~ent Cff:..~er shall Rate renor!; eni"ood.y hi~ proposals for 9ad1 assessment of ~he Se- g.cc-~:'J in a i~a-:e report as ~1ea:rlJ' a~ may "Ls in the 1'!'8 3crib\Jd f c·ra and sha:._ . :.u·b:-:lilJ the report to the "' Director of la: •i Ra corc':.3.

':tlems nt Oi't'icer •

(2) Si..lb;ec"G ~o r:il;:;, the (Director- of J.,and RecordsJ* sh~ll ut.«bj .:..sh the T"enort ai-:.C.! c::.f ter consider:...ng ai:y o'l1j ection; · ·Lllai: mF~J be rece;:.•reO., .:..d::. .:ef'~er such .1:urthe r

... _ ·- ... :'~

-.. - - - -- ·- - ·- - -· ... - -- - - - - - - - - - ·- !..'1_0sti t·Jtec for the w')r(i. "Provir.cial11 oy D. L.R, is oubstitu ·~ei: for Commi_ssicner o~ D:;...,isicn vide No. . . .

‘ lg, \ f" .1 5- (2) The settlement—holder may, within thirty days of any decision under. suhsection (1), appeal to the Settle— mext Officer, or to any Additional Sett— lextmt Officer that may be appointed by the State 1 Government for the pur— pcse of this section, who shall decide tle correct classification after local izquiry. The order of the Settlement Officer or Additional Settlement Offi— cer shall subject to the provisions of section 151 of the Regulation; be final. (3) Notwithstanding anything con— VII of tained in the Court—fees Act, 1870, there 1870. shall be payable on any petition of app~ ea: presented under sub—section (2) a court—fee calculated at the rate of one rupee for each field or site included therein subject to a maximum of £2.20 :1 eat of field or sites situated in the village, the petitioner being enti— a ', if the apyeal is smioessful, to the refund of the fee in proportion to his success. ‘ 21+. (1) She Settlement Officer shall Rate re or’s emboiy his proposals for each assessment of the 9—' group in a rate report as nearly as may ttlement Le in the prescribed form and shall Officer. an nit the report to the * Director of .1 Records. _ (2) Subiect to rule, the (Director of hand Records$* shall yah'lish the report and flter considering or objections that may be received, can. after such further Substituted for the ward "Provincial“ by 0.14.31. is substituted for Commissioner of Division vide No. . ..

-16-

inquiry, if any as he may deem necessary, submit the r~port with his recommenda - tions for the orders of the Statel Gov- ernment 9

25. Notwithstanid..tlng anything cor:- tained in this Act, where land origina- lly settled as land is used as fishery, the revenue thereon, instead of being assessed on the basis of a rate per bigh~, may be assessed according to the annual value of the fishery.

CHAPTER V SUPPLEi-1ENTAL

Assessoenc c'!: r eve nue on land used as fishery.

-1.:26 The State Government may sub- .j ec: to the condition of previous pu'":::>lication, make rules for :,he pur·- pose of carryi.ng out the provisions of this Act.

Power of State Goverrnnen t to make rules.

' ... *

f-ubsti tu ted f u:r. chB ·,;o ... ~v. 1 Prov lncia.111 by Adap.:-a.tion Laws G...-C.er, 15)7. 'l ide .Assam .Act XIV of I 95 l .

JL/! XII 7€.

...

-16- inquiry if any as he may deem necessary, ‘ submit hhe report with his recommenda— ' tions for the orders of the Stat-.91 Gov— 1 eminent. 25. Notwithstanidmng anything con Asses smen'c‘cf tained in this Act, where lam origina— revenue on 11y settled as land is us ed as fishery, land used the revenue therEOn, instead of being fishery. assessed on the basis of a rate per bigha, may be assessed according to the annual value of the fishery. CHAP'JER V SUPPLEME NTAL *26 The 8“ ate Government may sub— Power of State \ ject- to the condition of pre « Government to puolication, make rules for make rules. pose of carry m‘w out the provisions of this Act. _3 Substituted for ‘c-h: mud ‘Provincial" by Adap‘iation Laws Crasr,1}57, * Vida Assam ACt XIV of 195/. JL/1. 132. 7(1

SECTIONS