(1)Simultaneously with, or soon after the completion of, the economic survey referred to in section 148, the Settlement Officer shall form assessment circles or assessment groups in the district or area under settlement operations.(2)In forming assessment circles or assessment groups. the Settlement Officer shall have regard to homogeneity in respect to the matters specified in section 148 and of the following further matters namely : (a)physical configuration;(b)climate and rainfall;(c)population and availability of labour;(d)agricultural resources;(e)nature of the principal crops grown, along with the quantity of produce thereof as well as prices thereof prevailing in the market;(f)the rates at which rents are being paid for holdings; and(g)the assessment circles or assessment groups formed during the last settlement, if any.
