(1) A settlement introduced under section 8 shall remain in force for a period of thirty years:
Provided that, when, in the opinion of the Government, a fresh settlement at the expiration of thirty years is inexpedient or has for any cause been delayed, the Government may extend the term of the settlement for the time being in force for such period as it may think fit.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Government may, in accordance with general or special orders made in this behalf, grant reduction, suspension or remission in whole or in part of the assessment in any area in any year due to failure of crops, floods, or any other natural calamity or any reason whatsoever.
Registration of porambokes
10. All lands at the disposal of the Government and all Government lands which are in the possession and enjoyment of the Communes on the date of commencement of this Act and which are used or which may be required for communal, public or Government purposes shall be registered as porambokes during the settlement:
Provided that such of the Government lands, as are at the disposal of the Communes for remunerative purposes and assessed to land tax before the commencement of this Act shall be registered in the holding of the respective Communes on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
482 Liability for payment of assessment to Government
11. Every registered holder shall, for each fasli commencing from the fasli in which settlement is introduced, be primarily liable to pay to the Government in respect of all lands included in his holding, the assessment fixed under this Act:
Provided that the payment of assessment under this section shall not affect any right or obligation of religious, charitable or educational institutions in respect of manyam lands.
Power to impose additional assessment or levy on trees
12. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Government may, at any time during the settlement for the time being in force,-
(a) impose additional assessment, not exceeding twice the amount of highest wet rate of assessment in force, for additional advantages accruing to any land on which wet crops are or may hereafter be raised, from water received on account of execution of fresh irrigation works or improvements effected by the Government in existing irrigation works completed after the introduction of the settlement, or by intercepting surface rain water or water flowing to any recognised source of irrigation;
(b) impose whatever additional assessment or ground rent on all sites of buildings and the appurtenances thereto situated within the limits of Municipal towns and other areas declared as towns by a notification and on all lands used for non-agricultural purposes, whether built upon or not, similarly situated, at a specified rate not exceeding Rs.62.50 P. per hectare for the purpose.
(c) impose a levy on all fruit bearing trees standing on porambokes, waste and other lands at the disposal of the Government, at a rate not exceeding Rs.10 per tree, such levy being payable to the Government by persons who enjoy the benefits arising out of such trees.
483
CHAPTER IV LAND RECORDS Settlement Register and Register of Rights