Property Tax exemption to Ex-servicemen/widows, disabled jawans/widows in Kerala

The Kerala Government have published revised guidelines for giving property tax exemption to the Ex-Servicemen vide GO(MS) 242/2013/LSGDdated 2.7.2013. The main points are given below:

1.  The exemption is only for Ex-servicemen, their widows, disabled jawans and their widows. They can avail exemption for one house only. The area of the house should be below 2000 sq ft. The exemption is limited for ex-servicemen of army, navy and airforce.

2.  The ex-servicemen/widow/disabled jawan/widow has to submit an application every year before April 10 to claim tax exemption. An affidavit indicating the exemption is availed for only one house is also to be enclosed with the application.

3. They should inform the LSGI's as and when they transfer the house to son/daughter etc. It is the duty of the ex-servicemen.

Note:- It may be noted that there is no exemption for ex-serviceman from paying profession tax.

Registration of Marriages in Kerala

The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in its judgment dated 14-2-2006, in Seema Vs. Ashwinikumar [2006 (1) KLT 791 SC], has directed all State Governments to issue Rules for making registration of marriages solemnized in the respective States compulsory irrespective of the religion. Accordingly the Government of Kerala also published rules for Registration of Marriages irrespective of religion. Earlir only Hindu marriages are required to be compulsary registered. The Officers designated for registration (Local Registrar) of marriages under The Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008 are as follows:

Municipal Corporations: Health Officer Municipalities: Health Inspector-Grade I  Gramapanchayaths: Secretary

For registration of marriages under Common Rules, the following documents are required and to give these documents to the LSGI where your marriage/nikah occured:

1. Memorandum of Registration in Form No.I   - Click here for download
2. 3 passport size photographs (Husband and wife separately)
3. Certificates to prove Name, Date of Birth, Place of Residence etc
4. Certificate from Kalyana Mandapam/Marriage Hall/Church/Mosque etc stating that the marriage has been conducted on so and so date.
5. Copy of invitation letter (if any)
6. Fee as per Act (Normally Rs.100 for registration and Rs.20/- for Marriage Certificate  ( Click here for details)

Normally the marriage has to be registered within 45 days in the concerned Local Self Govt Institutions.  The marraiges can be registered within one year with a late fee of Rs.100/-.

The process of registration may take 1-2 hours. If you fill up the forms and produce the documents as required in the form, then you can complete the procedure within half an hour.

There was a doubt earlier whether intercaste marriage can be registered under this rule. At that time Government clarified that intercaste marriages can only be registered under Special Marriages Act. But now it is clarified that all marriages can be registered under this Rule irrespective of whether it is a intercaste or inter religious marriage. 

The Hindu Marriages can also be registered under Hindu Marriages Act.

Kerala Municipality Building Rules and connected Circulars

As per Kerala Municipality Building Rules 1999, any structure for whatsoever purpose and of whatsoever material constructed and every part thereof whether used for human habitation or not and includes foundations, plinth, walls, floors, roofs, chimneys, plumbing and building services, verandah, balcony, cornice or projections, part of a building or anything affixed thereto or any wall enclosing or intended to enclose any land or space and signs and outdoor display structures; communication towers etc require permit from the concerned Municipality/Corporation. Government of Kerala from time to time issued several circulars and also amended the Rules. They are given below:-

RULES

1. Kerala Municipality Building Rules, 1999                                                        DOWNLOAD

2. Kerala Municipality Building (Amendment) Rules, 2009                                    DOWNLOAD  

3.Kerala Building (Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction)- Rules, 2010        DOWNLOAD  

4.  Kerala Municipality Building Rules (Amendment) , 2010                                  DOWNLOAD  

5.Kerala Municipality Building (Amendment) Rules, 2013                                     DOWNLOAD  

Amendment to Kerala Municipality Building Rules 2013

Kerala Government approved the amendment to the Kerala Municipality Building Rules and issued notification. It is expected that this amendment will boost the construction sector.  The highlights are given below:-

* The Government have reserved powers to exempt any building constructed by LSGIs/Government or those who surrendered land for Development of Road to LSGIs/Govt.  from KMBR.

* Provision for e filing

* Extension is possible with the concurrence of the Committee constituted, beyond 9 years.

* FAR changed.

 * Access changed.

* Parking area changed.

* Theatres cannot be demolished fully.

* Fee for renewal of architech licence revised.

Copy of the detailed notification can be downloaded from here:-

Headmasters of aided schools of Kerala can draw salary without counter signature

       Kerala State  Government have issued guidelines for authorising Headmasters of aided Primary and High Schools to draw salary bills without counter signature. Its a welcome move as the headmasters are facing a lot of problem in counter signing everytime. The condition is that they have to prepare the bills through SPARK with the approval of departmental officers. The detailed order can be downloaded from here...