Power to levy advance payment of betterment charges

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act and subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), every person liable to pay betterment charges under this Act shall, with effect from the Kharif harvest of the agricultural year 1958-59, be liable to pay to the Government advance payment of betterment charges in respect of his matured area at each harvest at such rate not exceeding twenty-five rupees per acre of such area as the Government may by notification direct: Provided that the Government may fix different rates for different matured areas. (2) The liability to make advance payment of betterment charges shall cease from the date on which the schedule of betterment charges has been published in the official Gazette. (3) The amount of betterment charges which a person is liable to pay under this Act shall be realised from him after deducting therefrom the amount of advance payment of betterment charges paid by him. (4) If the amount of advance payment of betterment charges is found to be in excess of the amount of betterment charges the excess shall be refunded by the Government to the person from whom it was realised. (5) The amount of advance payment of betterment charges shall be realised, and deduction or refund thereof as referred to in sub-sections (3) and (4) shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed.