Primary law, Tamil Nadu land law
Tamil Nadu Village Panchayats (Restrictions and Control over Execution of Kudimaramat by Village Panchayat, Levy of Fees by Village Panchayats) Rules, 1999
The Governor of Tamil Nadu, through the Rural Development (C-4) Department, issued G.O. (Ms) No. 214 dated 5th October, 1999, permitting Village Panchayats to levy an annual fee on registered landholders whose lands are served by irrigation works for which Kudimaramat is executed or proposed. The Rules supersede the earlier Rules relating to Restrictions and Control over Execution of Kudimaramat by Panchayats, Levy of Fees by Panchayats, and require the proceeds to be used only for maintaining or repairing the irrigation work concerned.
What the Rules govern
The Tamil Nadu Village Panchayats (Restrictions and Control over Execution of Kudimaramat by Village Panchayat, Levy of Fees by Village Panchayats) Rules, 1999 were made by the Governor of Tamil Nadu through the Rural Development (C-4) Department under G.O. (Ms) No. 214 dated 5th October, 1999. They supersede the earlier Rules on restrictions and control over Kudimaramat by Panchayats and the levy of related fees.
The Rules govern annual fees connected with Kudimaramat work on irrigation works. They also control how Village Panchayats collect, account for and spend those fees.
Who may have to pay
The Tamil Nadu Village Panchayats Kudimaramat fee provisions affect registered holders, including joint registered holders, of lands served by an irrigation work.
Key provisions include:
- A Village Panchayat may levy an annual fee on all registered holders of lands served by an irrigation work.
- The Collector of the revenue district determines the rate per acre from time to time, taking into account the nature of the Kudimaramat work executed or proposed by the Village Panchayat.
- Wet and dry lands irrigated by direct flow are charged at one half rate per acre.
- Wet and dry lands irrigated by bailing are charged at one half of that rate.
- The fee is additional to wet or dry assessment and any water rate chargeable on the land.
- On demand, the fee is payable by the registered holder or any joint registered holder. Unpaid amounts may be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
Collection and use of the money
The Village Panchayat must collect the Kudimaramat fee through the Village Administrative Officer or another Land Revenue Department official with jurisdiction. The Village Administrative Officer must provide the demand account and collect the fee.
The proceeds must be placed in a separate fund. The Village Panchayat may use that fund only for maintaining or repairing the irrigation work concerned, under the general or special orders of the Collector. Proper accounts must be maintained and audited by the auditor appointed by the Government.
Access for inspection and repairs
The Village Panchayat must allow officers of the Public Works and Revenue Departments to inspect the irrigation work and connected works at all times. It must also provide access to contractors employed by either department to carry out repairs.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Can my Village Panchayat charge me a Kudimaramat fee for agricultural land?
Yes. A Village Panchayat may levy an annual fee if you are a registered holder of land served by the irrigation work concerned.
Who decides the Kudimaramat fee per acre?
The Collector of the revenue district determines the rate from time to time, considering the nature of the Kudimaramat work executed or proposed by the Village Panchayat.
Is the Kudimaramat fee included in land assessment or water charges?
No. The fee is additional to the wet or dry assessment and any water rate chargeable on the land.
What happens if a registered landholder does not pay the fee?
The unpaid fee may be recovered from the registered holder, or any joint registered holder, as arrears of land revenue.
