Govt to tax sale of earth of private land
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 16 2024: Individuals selling earth from private lands will now have to pay transit fee as per the latest government regulation.

The state government recently amended the Government of Manipur (Allocation) Rule, 2009 mandating regulation of transit for minor minerals, including earth, by the Forest Department.

Issuing an office memorandum in this regard, Central Forest Division, Divisional Forest Officer N Ganesh specified that the amendment aims to streamline collection of revenue from Transit Permit (TP) fees of 5 per cent of the royalties of minor minerals such as sand, stone, earth, etc., so as to ensure strict implementation of relevant rules of Manipur Forest Rules (MFR) 2021 and the Schedule of Royalty notification dated November 10, 2022.The order emphasised that all field functionaries and RFOs must enforce these regulations and collect revenue even from non-forest/ private patta lands, and to verify the Certificate of Origin at each revenue station and mobile beat office.

The said certificate is essential for legal transportation of minor minerals, while its absence could lead to the confiscation of vehicles, the order cautioned.

The amendment is expected to impact the occasional sale of earth from private lands, a practice not commonly viewed as a regular business.

With the new regulations, individuals, and Sometimes village committees engaging in such transactions now need to comply with the transit fee requirements.

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