LexThe West Bengal Duty On Inter-state River Valley Authority Electricity Act, 1971
West Bengal · state statute
Open in Lexace · Ask the AI about this actTfqq't Tio ito 221
REGISTERED No. D. 22L
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the Gazette of Nadia vrfuttrtm
EXTRAORDINARY
ITITT II-1.4n
PART II--Sectioni
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PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
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No. xol NSW DELHI, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 197IICHAITRA zz, 1893
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Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed
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MINISTRY OF LAW
(Legislative Department)
New Delhi, the 1st April, 1971/Chaitra 11, 1893 (Saka)
The following President's Act, enacted on the' 31st March, 1971, is
hereby published for general information:—
THE WEST BENGAL DUTY ON INTER-STATE RIVER
VALLEY AUTHORITY ELECTRICITY B LL, 1971
No. 5 OF 1971
Enacted by the President in the Twenty-second Year of the
Republic of India.
An Act to provide for the levy of duty on the consumption, in West
Bengal, of energy generated, distributed, sold or consumed
by an inter-State river valley authority and for matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto.
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the West Bengal
1970. State Legislature (Delegation of Powers). Act, 1970, the President is pleased
to enact as follows:-
1. (I) This Act may be called the West Bengal Duty on Inter-State Short title. .
River Valley Authority Electricity Act, 1971. extent and
commence -.
(2) It extends to the whole of the State of West Bengal. nicskt
(3) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 1st day of
February, 1958.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
93
94 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(a) "consumer" means any person, other than a distributing
licensee, who is supplied with energy by a licensee;
(h) "energy" means electrical energy generated, distributed, sold
or consumed by .an inter-State river valley authority;
(c) "inter-State river valley authority" means an authority estab-
lished by or under any law in force immediately before the com-
mencement of the Constitution of India or any law made by Parlia-
ment for regulating or developing any inter-State river valley or
river;
(d) "licensee" means any ,person licensed under Part II of the
Indian Electricity Act, 1910, to supply energy and includes any person 9 of cg
who has obtained the sanction of the State Government under section
28 of that Act and also includes the West Bengal State Electricity
Board constituted under section 5 of the Electricity (Supply) Act,
1948; 54 of 19„
(e) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(f) "Schedule" means a Schedule to this Act.
Duty on
units of
energy
consumed.
3. There shall be charged, levied and. paid to the State Government a
duty (hereinafter referred to as "electricity duty"), on the units of energy
consumed, at the rates in force from time to time as specified in the First
Schedule:
Payment of
electricity
duty.
Provided that electricity duty shall not be leviable on the units of
energy consumed—
(a) by any Government, except to the extent specified in the
Second Schedule;
(b) by, or in respect of, any—
(i) railway administration as defined in the Indian Railways
Act, 1890;
(ii) inter-State river valley authority;
(iii) local authority;
(iv) institution or class of persons specified in the Second
Schedule,
except to the extent specified in the Second Schedule;
(c) in any—
(i) place of public worship, public .bUrial or burning ground
or other place for the disposal of the dead;
(ii) premises declared by the State Government to be used
exclusively for the purposes of public charity;
(iii) vessel, whether sea-going or inland.
4. in the case of energy which is—
(a) received by a licensee and supplied by him to consumers, the
licensee shall collect and pay to the State Government, at the pres-
cribed time and in the prescribed manner, the electricity duty payable
under section 3 on the units of energy supplied by him to consumers
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tHE GAZtrITE aF INDIA )CTRAOicibIl4AitY -
and the duty so payable shall be a first charge on the amount recover. , -
able by such licensee for the energy supplied by him to consumers and
such amount shall be deemed to be a debt due by him to the State
Government:
Provided that such licensee shall not be liable to pay the duty in
respect of any energy supplied by him for which he has been unable to
recover any amount ,due to him from the consumer;
(b) received by any other person (not being an employee of aki
inter-State river valley authority or any other person in the occupa•
tion of any premises owned or controlled by such authority) who,
having obtained such energy directly from an inter-State river valley
authority, either consumes such energy or distributes such energy,
whether wholly or partly, to any other person, the first mentioned
person shall pay to the State Government, at the prescribed time and
in the prescribed manner, the electricity duty payable under section 3
ion the units of energy received by him;
(c) supplied by any inter-State river valley authority, to its
employees, or to any other person, in the occupation of any premises
owned or controlled by it, such authority shall pay to the State Gov-
ernment, at the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner, the
electricity duty payable under section 3 on the units of energy so
supplied by it.
5. (1) Where any energy—
(a) received by a person (other than a licensee) is supplied by
person to any of his employees or to any other person, or
(b) is consumed by an inter-State river valley authority by
plying it to any premises owned or controlled by it, .which is in
occupation—
(i) of any of its employees for residential purposes, Or
(ii) of any other person, or
(iii) of both,
Right to
such recover
electricity
duty in
respect of energy
— I" supplied to
the c ertain persons.
such person or authority shall be entitled to recover an amount, equal
to the amount of the electricity duty payable under section 3, from
the employee or other person to whom such energy was supplied:
Provided that nothing shall be recoverable under this sub-section from
an employee referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), if the employee has
not used in any one month more units of energy than the units exempt-
ed, in the case of a consumer, under clause (6) of the Second Schedule.
(2) Where an amount equal to the amount of the electricity duty pay-
able under section 3 in respect of any energy used by an employee is not
0'6 THE bikiEtit OF [PART
recoverable from him by reason of the proviso to sub-section (1), the per-
son (other than a licensee) or an inter-State river valley authority, as the
case may be, supplying such energy, shall, notwithstanding anything
contained in clause (b) or clause (c) of section 4, be entitled to deduct,
the amount not so recoverable, from the amount of the electricity duty
payable by him or it under section 3.
(3) The person referred to in clause (b) of section 4 or the inter-State
river valley authority referred to in clause (e) of section .4 shall be en-
titled to remission of duty payable by him or by it in respect of the
amount which he or it has been unable to recover under sub-section (/).
(4) Every authority or person referred to in this section shall, for the
purposes of determining the amount liable to be deducted under sub-section
(2) or the amount of remission of duty under sub-section (3) maintain such
records and registers as may be prescribed.
Power of 6. (1) Where any consumer fails or neglects to pay at the prescribed licensee to
recover elec- time and in the prescribed manner the amount of electricity duty due tricity duty. from consu- from him, the licensee may, without prejudice to the rights of the State mers.
Government to receive the amount under section 9, and after giving not
less than seven clear days' notice in writing to such person, cut off the
supply of energy to such person, and he may, for that purpose, exercise 9
the power conferred on a licensee by sub-section (1) of section 24 of the
Indian Electricity Act, 1910, for recovery of any charge or sum due in 9 of nto.1
respect of energy supplied by him.
(2) The licensee shall be entitled, for his cost of collection of the duty,
to a rebate of such percentage as may be determined by the State Govern.
ment on the amount of the duty collected and paid by him under section 4.
obligation 7. A licensee, who is liable to pay electricity duty under section 4 shall, of licencees
to keep books unless he is exempt from payment of such duty under the proviso to sec- of account
and submit 'L ion 3, keep books of account in the prescribed form and submit to the
returns,' State Government or to the prescribed officer returns in the prescribed
form at the prescribed time, showing the units of energy supplied, re-
ceived or consumed by him, as the case may be, and the amount of the
duty payable thereon and recovered or paid by him under section 4.
Inspecting 8. ,(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official officers
Gazette, appoint inspecting officers to inspect books of account required
by section 7 to be kept and such officers shall perform such duties and
exercise such powers as may be prescribed for the purpose of carrying
into effect the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.
(2) Every officer appointed under this section shall be deemed to be
a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal 45
Code.
THE GAZETTE QF INfl EXTilACial3IkAiW SiGC
•
'9. Any sum due on account of electricity duty if not paid at the pre- Recoveriii
scribed time and in the prescribed manner, shall be recoverable as a
public demand—
(a) in the case of energy supplied by a licensee, at the discre-
tion of the State Government, either from the consumer, Or, subject
to the proviso to clause (a) of section 4, from the licenseei
(b) in the case of other energy, from the person or inter-State
river valley authority liable to pay such duty under clause (b) or
clause (c) of section 4.
10. (1) If a licensee required by section 7 to keep books of account Penalties
or to submit returns fails to keep such books in the prescribed form, or
to submit such returns in the prescribed form or at the prescribed time,
such licensee shall be liable, on conviction before a Magistrate, to a fine
not exceeding one thousand rupees.
,(Z) If any person. intentionally obstructs an inspecting officer appoint-
(bed ed under section 8 in the exercise of his powers and the di;charge of
due his functions under this Act,and the :rules made thereunder, he shall
tate be liable, on conviction before .a Magistrate, to a fine not exceeding one
not
the thousand rupees.
:cise 11. (1) The State Government may, subject to the .provisions ; .of sub- Power to make rules.
the section (3), make rules to carry. out the provisions of this Act
e in 9 of tigo (2) In particular, and without•prejudice to the generality of the fore-
going powers, such rules may provide for all or any of the following
iuty, matters, namely :—
Tern. (a) the time and manner of payment of electricity duty under
on 4. section 4 or section 5;
shall (b) the form of the books of account to be kept, the times at
sec- which, the form in which and the officer to whom, returns required
) the by section T shall be submitted;
ibed ' (c) the duties and powers of an inspecting officer; and
re- A (d) any other matter which is required to be, or may be, pre-
r the Scribed.
(3) No rules shall be made under tins section to affect the rates and
other incidents of the electricity duty payable .under section 3.
(4) In making 'a rule under this section the State Government may
provide that a breach thereof shall be punishable with a fine not ex-
ceeding one thousand, rupees.
. 12. Any duty which is payable under section 3 for the consumption of arrears snin
of energy at any time during the .period commencing on the 1st day of instalments.
February, 1958, and ending on the 31st day of March, 1970; Shall be paid
to the State Government in six equal annual instalments.
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9g , THE GAZETTE OP INDIA EXTRAORDINARY •
(PART II-
Validation of 13. If any electricity duty leviable or sum recoverable under the pro- levyor recovery of visions of this Act, has, prior to the publication of this Act, been levied
electricity or recovered under the provisions of the Bengal Electricity Duty Act, duty under Bengal Act 1935, such duty or sum shall be deemed to have been validly levied or
X of 1935. recovered asi if such levy or recovery were made under the 'provisions
of this Act.
THE FIRST SCHEDULE
(See section 3)
RATES OF ELECTRICITY DUTY
PART A
For lights and fans
SECTION I
RATES IN FORCE PROM THE 1ST rEBRUARY; 1958 TO THE 28 MARCH, 1966
(1) In respect of every premises not falling under article (2),—
(a) when the net charge of the licensee for the •supply of energy
for the purposes of lights, or fans, or both, does not exceed nineteen
paise for each unit of energy consumed, the rates of electricity duty
shall be AS follows, narnely:—
in the case of a consumer whose consumption of energy
ddring the month to which the calculation ,-of electricity duty
relates,
(i) does not exceed fifteen units—Nil,
(ii) exceeds fifteen units but does not exceed fifty units
three poise for each unit of energy consumed,
(iii) exceeds fifty units—six paise for each unit of energy
consumed,
(b) in other cases three paise for each unit of energy consumed.
(2) In respect of every premises where the supply of energy by a
licensee is unmetered, for
Paise per
inensevi
•
Every lamp of less than 30 watts
Every lamp of 30 watts or but less .than 40 watts
Every lamp of 40 watts - or More btit'lets than 60' watts
Every lamp of 60 watts or more but not exceeding
400 '
And for every additional 15 watts or fraction thereof in
excess of 100 watts in any lamp
12:
19
.. 25
.. 3'7
6
SEc. 13 THE GAzErrt OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 99
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Or
ns
SECTION II
RATES IN FORCE FROM THE 29TH MARCH, 1966 TO THE 15TH
NOVEMBER, 1967
(1) In respect of every premises not falling under article (2),—
(a) when the net charge of the licensee for the supply of energy
for the purposes of lights, or fans, or both, is less than twenty-five paise
for each unit of energy consumed, the rates of electricity duty shall
be as follows, namely:—
in the case of a consumer whose consumption of energy dur-
ing the month to which the calculation of duty relates,
(i) does not exceed fifteen units—Nil,
(ii) exceeds fifteen units but does not exceed fifty units—
three paise for each unit of energy consumed,
(iii) exceeds fifty units—six paise for each unit of energy
consumed,
(b) in other cases—three paise for each unit of energy consumed.
(2) In respect of every premises where the supply of energy by a
'licensee is unmetered, for—
Rase per
mensem
Every lamp of less than 30 .watts 12
Every lamp of 30 watts or more but less than 40 watts 19
Every lomp of 40 watts or more but less than 60 watts .. 25
Every Iamp of 60 watts or more but not eXceeding
100 watts .. 37
And for every additional 15 watts or fraction thereof in
excess of 100 watts, in any lamp 6
.Or
Sri
ty
SECTION III
d.
RATES IN FORCE FROM THE 16TH NoNtii,EBER, 1967
ty
(1) In respect of every premises not foiling under article (2) ,—
(a) when the net charge of the licensee for the supply of energy
for tile purposes of lights, or fans, or both, is less than twenty-five
poise for each unit of energy consumed, the rotes of .electricity. duty
shall be as follows, namely:—
in the case of a consumer whose consumption of energy
during the .month to, which the calculation of duty relates,...
(i) does not exceed twenty-five units—Nil,
(ii) exceeds twenty-five units but does. not -exceed sixty
units—three paise for each unit of energy consumed,
(iii) exceeds. sixty units—nine poise for, eaph unit of
energy consumed,
A00 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA 'EXTRAORDINARY. [PART II—
(b) in other cases—three paise for each unit of energy consumed.
(2) In respect of every premises where the supply of energy by a
licensee is unmetered, for—
Arise per
mensem
Every lamp of less than 30 watts
Every lamp of 30 watts or more but less than 40 watts
Every lamp of 40 watts or more but less than 60 watts
Every, lamp of 60 watts or more but not exceeding
100 watts
12
19
25
.. 37
And for every additional 15 watts or fraction thereof in
excess of 100 watts, in any lamp 6
Explanation.—In this Part, the expression "net charge of the licensee"
means the net charge which remains after deducting, from the charge
made by the licensee for the supply of energy to a consumer, any rebate
which is allowed by such licensee for prompt payment by the consumer.
PART B
For any other purpose
SECTION I
RATES IN FORCE FROM THE 1ST FEBRUARY, 1958 TO 'THE 30TH APRIL, 1963
(a) For every three units of energy or fraction thereof consumed—
(i) by any undertaking which is a cottage industry or a small-
scale industry and which is not a factory under the Factories Act, 63 of 194g.
1948, or
(ii) by any industrial undertaking for electrolytic process or
electric furnace subject to the condition that the inspecting officer
appointed under sub-section (1) of section 6 is satisfied that the cost
of the energy consumed is not less than 20 per cent. of the total cost
of manufacture incurred, by such industrial undertaking;
where separate meters or sub-meters are installed for indicating
such consumption separately—
one paisa.
(b) For every unit of energy or fraction thereof in cases not'falling
under clause (a)—one paisa.
SECTION II
RATES IN FORCE FROM THE 1ST MAY, 1963 TO THE 15TH NOVEMBER, 1967
(a) Except in cases falling under article (b) or article (c), where
energy is consumed , in any premises--
(i) otherwise than in connection with any industrial or manu- . facturing process, for every unit of energy or fraction thereof so ti! consumed—one paisa,
THE GAZETTE OF. INDIA EXTRAORDINARY iOr PART II— SEC.
nsu.med.
by a
Oise per
mensenn
12
19
25
.. 37
• 6
censee"
charge
rebate
:umer.
963
ed—
small-
Act,
(ii) in connection with any industrial or manufacturing process,
for every two units of energy or fraction thereof so consumed—
three paise.
(b) For every three units of energy or fraction thereof consumed for
purposes of,—
(1) a cottage industry or a small-scale industry, by any undertak-
948. ing not being a factory as defined in the Factories Act, 1948, or
(ii) electrolysis or heating in electric furnaces, by any industrial
undertaking;
where separate meters or sub-meters are installed for indicating
the quantity of energy so consumed—
one paisa.
(c) For energy consumed in any premises for lights, or fans, or both,
and for any other purpose in connection with any industrial or manufac-
turing process carried on therein, in cases where the quantity of energy
consumed for lights or fans is not separately indicated by the installation
of separate meters or sub-meters or otherwise,—
the respective rates specified under article (a) or (b), and,
except in the case of premises occupied by a cottage industry or small-
scale industry referred to in clause (i) of article (b), a surcharge of
ten per cent. of the duty payable for the total quantity of energy
consumed in accordance with such rates.
SECTION III
RATES IN FORCE FROM THE 16TH NOVEMBER, 1967.
(a) Except in cases falling under article (b) or article (c), where energy
is consumed in any premises,—
(i) otherwise than in connection with any
industrial or manufacturing process, for every
unit of energy or fraction thereof so consumed — three paise,
(ii) in connection with any industrial or
manufacturing process, for every two units of
energy or fraction thereof so consumed — three paise.
(b) For every three units of energy or fraction thereof consumed for
purposes of—
(i) a cottage industry or a small-scale industry, by any undertak-
1948. ing not being a factory as defined in the Factories Act, 1948, or
(ii) eleCtrolysis or heating in electric furnaces, by any industrial
undertaking;
where separate meters or sub-meters are installed for indicating
the quantity of energy so consumed—
one paisa.
(C) For energy consumed in any premises for lights, or fans, or both, and
for any other purpose in connection with any industrial or manufacturing
process carried on therein, in cases where the quantity of energy consumed
for lights or fans is not separately indicated by the installation of sepa-
rate meters or sub-meters or otherwise,—
gal
I 02 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY
1PATer II—
the respective rates specified under. article (a) or '(b), and, ex-
cept in the case of premises occupied by a cottage industry or small- ,
scale industry referred to in clause (i) of article (b), a surcharge of
ten per cent. of the duty payable for the total quantity of energy
consumed in accordance with such rates.
Explanation.--(a) The special rate of duty referred to in clause (i4) of
article (b) in Section II or Section m of this Part shall not be admissible
unless—
(i) the cost of energy consumed for purposes of electrolysis or
heating in electric furnaces is twenty per cent. or more of the total
cost of manufacture or heating in electric furnaces, and
(ii) separate books of account are maintained showing separately
the details of the cost of energy consumed for purposes of electrolysis,
or heating in electric furnaces and the total cost of manufacture by .
electrolysis or heating in electric furnaces.
(b) An industrial undertaking claiming the benefits of the special rate
of duty referred to in' clause (ii) of article (b) in Section II or Section IIl
of this Part shall make an application in writing to an officer specially
ap ointed in this behalf by the State Government by notification in the
df cial Gazette and thereupon such officer shall, after giving the applicant
an opportunity of being heard and after making such enquiry (if any) as
he may think fit, make an order,—
(i) if he is satisfied that the requirements of this Act and the rules
made thereunder have been complied with, allowing the application,
Or
(ii) if he is not so satisfied, rejecting the application, and such
order shall ; subject to the provisions of clause (c), be final.
(c) The State Government may, on application or of its own motion,
revise any order. made under clause (b).
THE SECOND SCHEDULE
(See proviso to section 3)
Exemptions
(1) Any Government, save in respect of premises used for residential'
purposes;
(2) a railway administration, save in respect of premises used for resi-
dential purposes;
(3) an inter-State river valley authority, save in respect of premises
used for residential purposes;
(4) a local authority, save in respect of premises used for residential
purposes;
(5) a. hospital or dispensary which is not maintained for private gain;
(6) any consumer using in any one month not more than—
(a) fifteen units of energy, during the period prior to the 16th
November, 1967, or
(b) twenty-five units of energy, during the period commencing
with the 16th November, 1967;
a1
ly
;is
3y
THE , GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY L03 SEC. I
(7) any consumer, being a landlord, or other person who supplies
1- energy to one-roomed or two-roomed shops or tenements in any one
)f building, in respect of the energy supplied to any such shop or tenement
in which have been used in any one month not more than—
(a) fifteen units of energy, during the period prior to the 16ti)
Df November, 1967, or
le (b) twenty-five units of energy, during the period commencing
with the 16th November, 19.67.
3r Explanation.—(1) For the purposes of exemption (6) in the premises
referred to in article (2) of the First Schedule every 10 watts shall be deem-
ed to consume one and a half units in a month.
(2) For the purposes of exemption (7), whether more than fifteen units
or, as .the case may be, twenty-five units, of energy have been, used in any
one month in any shop or tenement for which there is no meter or sub-
meter shall be determined by dividing the total number of units supplied
during that month to such shops or tenements in the building by the
number of such shops or tenements therein.
V. V: GIRT,
P resident-.
les N. D. P. NAMBOODIRIPAD,
Jt. Secy. to the Govt. of India.
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