Tax and fee hikes across multiple sectors
Hyphen Web Desk
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Effective April 1, Kerala will enforce increased rates for court fees, land taxes, and vehicle taxes, following the passage of the Finance Bill in the Assembly on March 25.
The most significant adjustments pertain to court fees, marking the first comprehensive revision in two decades. For instance, the fee for filing a suit for declaration of property possession has risen from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.
The most significant adjustments pertain to court fees, marking the first comprehensive revision in two decades. For instance, the fee for filing a suit for declaration of property possession has risen from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.
Similarly, seeking relief related to immovable property now incurs a fee of ₹2,500, up from ₹500. In cases involving possession or joint possession of trust property, fees have escalated from a maximum of ₹200 to ₹1,000, and from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 when the property lacks a market value.
Land tax slabs have been increased by 50%, with corresponding revisions to land lease rates. Daily wage contract employees will see a 5% wage increase. Taxes on electric vehicles have been restructured, and tourist bus fares are set to rise due to a consolidated tax structure for contract carriage vehicles.
Land tax slabs have been increased by 50%, with corresponding revisions to land lease rates. Daily wage contract employees will see a 5% wage increase. Taxes on electric vehicles have been restructured, and tourist bus fares are set to rise due to a consolidated tax structure for contract carriage vehicles.
Vehicles older than 15 years will face a 50% tax hike. Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India has raised toll rates by ₹5 for cars and ₹15 for larger vehicles. Automobile companies have also announced price increases ranging from 2% to 4%.
The Finance Bill's passage was met with criticism from the opposition, who labeled it as containing "tall claims." Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal defended the bill, stating that the taxation measures are minimal and aim to increase the state's expenditure to over two trillion rupees in the coming financial year. He highlighted that the state's total revenue is also projected to surpass one lakh crore rupees due to the government's efforts.
Opposition members contended that the bill exaggerates the proposed revenue and expenditure, questioning the feasibility of the minister's claims. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala drew comparisons to national economic goals, noting that while the Prime Minister speaks of India becoming a five trillion dollar economy, the state's projections appear inflated. Other opposition MLAs described the budget as lacking major populist measures and suggested it serves more as a public relations document than a realistic financial plan.
The Finance Bill's passage was met with criticism from the opposition, who labeled it as containing "tall claims." Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal defended the bill, stating that the taxation measures are minimal and aim to increase the state's expenditure to over two trillion rupees in the coming financial year. He highlighted that the state's total revenue is also projected to surpass one lakh crore rupees due to the government's efforts.
Opposition members contended that the bill exaggerates the proposed revenue and expenditure, questioning the feasibility of the minister's claims. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala drew comparisons to national economic goals, noting that while the Prime Minister speaks of India becoming a five trillion dollar economy, the state's projections appear inflated. Other opposition MLAs described the budget as lacking major populist measures and suggested it serves more as a public relations document than a realistic financial plan.
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