PATNA, July 16 -- The state government on Wednesday approved the much anticipated rules, empowering Gram Panchayats to impose taxes on property and levy charges on other business establishments and services. - a long-pending move under the Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 2006. Until now, although the act provided for such powers, no formal rules or government orders had operationalised them. Additional chief secretary (cabinet) Arvind Kumar Choudhary, said the new rules cover taxes on holdings within panchayat areas, fees on professions, trades and industries, charges for services provided by panchayats and other prescribed levies. "Panchayats will now be able to levy these within prescribed maximum limits, following due procedure. The government expects the move to significantly enhance the own source revenue (OSR) of gram panchayats," added the ACS.. In another important decision, the cabinet cleared the delimitation and formation of gram panchayat areas, panchayat samiti areas and zila parishad areas based on the 2011 Census. Officials said the exercise will ensure more balanced representation in line with population changes, promote geographical and social homogeneity, improve administrative efficiency and facilitate better implementation of development schemes. The cabinet also approved amendments to motor vehicle tax rates under the Bihar Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1994. Two-wheelers will see a one percent increase in the one-time motor vehicle tax, while three-wheelers paying one-time tax will face an additional Rs.1,000. The trade tax component has been hiked four-fold. Officials said that rates had not been revised for a long time, making the changes necessary. The civil aviation directorate's proposals to offer compensation for land acquisition to develop two greenfield airports have also got the cabinet assent. For Bhagalpur district, it approved Rs.556.11 crore for acquiring 1,425.1148 acres. In Munger, Rs.773.46 crore was cleared for 1,720.1160 acres. Plans include developing around 1,025 acres for airside infrastructure along with a modern 'Aerocity' featuring aviation-based industries, a logistics hub, hotels, convention centres and commercial spaces. The project is expected to turn the region into a major economic hub. Additionally, the Cabinet green lit the signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the construction of greenfield airports at Rajgir, Rohtas and Kaimur....