ASIA seeks DC intervention as water supply access denied over tax dispute
Adityapur Small Industries Association challenges the legality of holding tax on industrial units in JIADA jurisdiction.
JAMSHEDPUR – Inder Agarwal, President of Adityapur Small Industries Association (ASIA), contests the imposition of holding tax on industrial units, leading to water supply access denial by Adityapur Municipal Corporation.
The controversy stems from the Municipal Corporation’s demand for holding tax from industrial units in the Adityapur Industrial Area.
ASIA argues that the industrial area falls outside the Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction, making the tax imposition unjust.
A recent meeting between ASIA and the Municipal Corporation administrator failed to reach an amicable settlement.
Agarwal plans to organize a meeting between local entrepreneurs and the Municipal Corporation Administrator to find a resolution.
The dispute dates back to 2003, following Jharkhand’s first municipal elections after statehood.
Prior to 2003, no holding tax was demanded from the industrial units established in the 1970s under AIDA (now JIADA).
Some industrial units have paid the tax to avoid complications, while others have challenged it in the Jharkhand High Court.
The court did not intervene, considering it a matter between two departments.
ASIA emphasizes that industrial units already pay land rent, levies, and street light charges to JIADA.
Former JIADA officials have indicated that holding tax should not be imposed on units within the authority’s area.
The association has sought intervention from the Deputy Commissioner of Seraikela-Kharsawan district to resolve the issue.
