March 27, 2025: In a major relief for small vendors, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that toll collectors will no longer be allowed to collect taxes from petty traders in panchayat markets. The decision was taken during a recent Cabinet meeting, following amendments to the Panchayat and Rural Development Panchayat Rules.

As per the new directive, vegetable, betel leaf, and milk sellers operating in the markets will not have to pay taxes. Additionally, toll collectors can only collect taxes from permanent vendors, while small-scale traders will be exempted.

The government has also made it clear that no additional taxes can be imposed on any vendor, and market areas must be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition by toll collectors.

This decision aims to support small businesses and vendors who rely on these markets for their livelihood. The move has been welcomed by the local trading community, who had long been demanding relief from excessive taxation in rural markets.