Archive · 18 Jul 2026
RJD opposes Bihar's new panchayat tax regime
The Bihar government has decided to let local village councils, called panchayats, collect new taxes.
These taxes will be on houses, businesses, and services like water and sanitation.
The government says this will help the panchayats have more money for local projects.
However, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party is against this idea.
They think it will make life harder for poor people and small business owners who are already struggling.
The RJD leader, Sudhakar Singh, said that big businesses get their loans forgiven, but the government is now asking for more money from those who can least afford it.
He also mentioned that Bihar is behind other states in areas like income and jobs, so this new tax might make things worse for rural families.
Bihar government approved amendments allowing panchayats to levy various taxes and fees.
RJD opposes the new tax regime, stating it will burden the rural poor and small businesses.
Taxes will be imposed on permanent/semi-permanent houses, commercial establishments, and services like sanitation and water supply.
Government aims to strengthen the financial position of gram panchayats with the new system.
RJD leader Sudhakar Singh argues that the decision will weaken the rural economy and affect poor families.
- Who
- Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Bihar government
- What
- Opposition to new panchayat tax regime
- When
- July 15 (Cabinet approval), press conference on Saturday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- RJD believes it will burden rural poor and small businesses; government aims to strengthen panchayat finances
- Opposing Party
- Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
- Government Action
- Approved amendments for panchayats to levy taxes
- Taxes Imposed
- Permanent/semi-permanent houses, commercial establishments, hoardings, cinema halls, petrol pumps, LPG agencies, brick kilns, sanitation, water supply
- RJD's Concern
- Additional burden on poor and small businesses
- Government's Justification
- Strengthen financial position of gram panchayats
- RJD Leader
- Sudhakar Singh
- Date of Cabinet Approval
- July 15