Forward Bloc to protest hike in land related fees

The Forward Bloc on Thursday said it will launch a mass campaign against the increase of various land related charges.

"Our party has decided to launch a mass agitation at almost 300 blocks in the state on May 17 and 18 against the massive increase in land mutation, registration and conversion charges," party leader Naren Chatterjee said.

He accused the state government of imposing a financial burden on people in the name of revenue collection.

"According to a circular issued by the government, the mutation fee for agricultural land has increased four and six times per decimal in the rural and semi-urban areas respectively," Chatterjee said.

"The mutation fee for non-agricultural land in both areas have seen a 10-time increase. This has pushed the common people to a state of misery."

He said that more than 90 percent of the agricultural land taken up for industrial and commercial farming in the state had not been appropriately utilised.

He urged the government to give these land back to its owners.

--IANS

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