58C. [ Levy of betterment contribution. [Sections 58-C and 58-D Substituted by M.P. Act No. 22 of 2002 (w.e.f. 28-11-2002).]
(1)There shall be levied once on every permanent holder of land whose land is situated within the command area, the betterment contribution at such rate which shall be fixed from time to time by the State Government. The rates of betterment contribution shall be recommended by the Collector to the State Government after consultation with the Presidents of the Concerned water Users Association of the District. The rates of betterment contribution shall be applicable from such date as may be notified by the State Government :Provided that betterment contribution shall not be levied in respect of such part of the command area where irrigation facility is not received.(2)The betterment contribution levied under sub-section (1) shall be payable within three months from the said date.(3)If the betterment contribution remains unpaid on the expiry of the period under sub-section (2), it shall carry interest at the rate of twelve per centum with effect from the date on which such period expires.(4)If the State Government is satisfied that the levy of betterment contribution is likely to cause hardship to any permanent holder or class of such holders in any command area, the State Government may, by notification, exempt such holder or such class of holders in such area from payment of the amount of betterment contribution or suspend the recovery of betterment contribution in the whole or in part, as may be specified in the notification, subject to such terms and conditions, if any, as the State Government may deem fit to impose.Explanation. - For the purpose of sub-section (4), the levy of betterment contribution shall be deemed to cause hardship if the permanent holder who having already constructed private irrigation work prior to the commencement of the new canal on his land does not desire to avail of the irrigation facilities from such new canal.
