Levy of acreage rates

(1) Where in respect of any lands included in an irrigation scheme expenditure has been, or is likely to be incurred by the Government in the execution of any one or more of the following works or in undertaking any one or more of the following measures, namely— (a) rectangulation, sub-rectangulation or killabandi (that is to say, sub-division of land into one-acre fields), (b) level, topographical or soil surveys, (c) construction of watercourses, (d) construction of village roads and works appertaining thereto, the Government may, for the purpose of recouping or meeting such expenditure, cause a schedule of acreage rates to be prepared showing the rates at which the rates shall be leviable on the lands, and the manner in which and the persons by whom they shall be payable. (2) A draft of the schedule prepared under sub-section (1) shall be published in the official Gazette, a copy of which shall be posted at some conspicuous place in the area affected and in such other manner as may be prescribed. (3) Any landowner or occupancy tenant who may be affected by the proposed acreage rates may, within sixty days from the date of the publication of the schedule in the official Gazette, present a petition in writing to the Government stating his objections, if any, to the levy of the acreage rates or the incidence thereof. (4) After considering the objections and after making such further inquiry into the matter as the Government may think fit, the Government shall determine the final schedule of acreage rates and cause the same to be published in the official Gazette and in such other manner as may be prescribed.