Revenue laws set to change

Have you wondered why buildings in Mumbai still have to pay non-agriculture tax? Or why it takes so long to pay stamp duty and get your property registered?

Have you wondered why buildings in Mumbai still have to pay non-agriculture tax? Or why it takes so long to pay stamp duty and get your property registered?

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That’s because the Revenue Department that deals with all land laws, records and taxation still relies on British era procedures and norms.

The Revenue Department will overhaul the existing laws and procedures.

Revenue Minister Narayan Rane said a convention of the Revenue Department would be held in Pune on Wednesday and Thursday to work out amendments to laws. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan will inaugurate the convention. Collectors of 33 districts (who report to the revenue minister) and divisional commissioners will attend the meet.

Revenue officials will make presentations to suggest possible changes to taxation, land acquisition and land records.

“The convention is to ensure efficient administration. There will be deliberations to change the Revenue Act of 1966 or land acquisition and compensation procedures. We also want to make the administration more citizen-friendly by introducing computerisation at all levels,” said Rane.

The convention will also look at ways to mobilise revenues through taxes such as entertainment tax, cable tax and land revenues.