Complaints have been received regarding the imposition of what has been termed an arbitrary tax burden on Kodava Ainmanes by Gram Panchayats under the pretext of tax assessment. Condemning the move, United Kodava Organisation (UKO) President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa has demanded an immediate revision of the assessment and complete tax exemption for Ainmanes across Kodagu.
In a press statement, he said Ainmanes are sacred ancestral homes associated with Kodava clans and have a history spanning several centuries. Family worship, rituals and clan-related ceremonies have been conducted in these structures for generations.
He pointed out that maintaining these historic structures has become increasingly challenging. Imposing a substantial tax burden on such heritage properties is therefore highly condemnable.
Describing Ainmanes as important symbols of Kodava heritage and culture, he called upon the government to grant complete tax exemption and formulate special schemes for their preservation.
He further warned that if authorities attempt to collect the tax forcibly, a strong agitation would be launched.
