Assam Govt to amend VAT rules, tighten tax evasion measures

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 5, 2025

In a decisive move to prevent tax evasion and regulate the movement of taxable goods, the Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Value Added Tax (Amendment) Rules, 2025.

The amendment introduces stricter monitoring of goods entering the state via road, rail, river, or postal services, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Announcing the decision, Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah stated that no individual or entity can take delivery of goods exceeding 250 litres in any form without valid documentation. The amendment also includes immediate action against illegal storage, sale, and resale of petrol and diesel, a measure aimed at curbing black-market trading.

The Assam Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also approved several other major policy decisions, including, the approval of the Assam Urban Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Rules, 2025, which mandates district-level schedules for public water bodies, the Assam Municipal Employees (Provincialisation) Bill, 2025 was passed, securing the services of 1,044 municipal employees across 71 municipal boards, who were appointed before September 4, 2013 and amendments to the Assam Secondary Education (Provincialized School) Service Rules, 2024, and approval for Assamese Language Teachers (ALTs) to serve in both Assamese and non-Assamese medium schools.

 The cabinet also gave its nod for the Bodoland University regulatory statute, ensuring smooth functioning and governance of the institution.

 In a bid to EWS reservation in private schools, the Cabinet gave its nod for the launch of a web portal to implement the 25% seat reservation for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) in unaided private schools, in line with the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

The cabinet further approved the draft Assam Public Distribution of Articles (Amendment) Order, 2025 extending FPS license renewal from three to five years, providing long-term stability for ration shops.

The cabinet also gave its approval of Rs 42.72 crore for cluster development in small industries, aimed at boosting local enterprises and job creation.