In the exercise of the powers conferred by clause b of sub section 2 of section 80G of the Income tax Act

## Report on Notification S.O. 1698(E) Regarding Income Tax Act, 1961 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes Notification S.O. 1698(E) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, Central Board of Direct Taxes, published in the Gazette of India on April 23, 2021. This notification pertains to Section 80G of the Income-tax Act, 1961. It designates Maa Umiya Temple, managed by Vishv Umiya Foundation at Jaspur, Ahmedabad, as a place of artistic importance and public worship of renown in Gujarat, making it eligible for benefits under Section 80G for the Financial Year 2021-2022 relevant to the Assessment Year 2022-2023. This will enable donors to the temple to claim deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed analysis of Notification S.O. 1698(E), based solely on the provided text from the Gazette of India, and to inform affected stakeholders about the implications of this notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy notification relating to existing Income Tax Act, 1961. * **Core Objective:** To designate Maa Umiya Temple as a place of artistic importance and public worship of renown in Gujarat, thereby enabling it to receive tax-deductible donations under Section 80G of the Income-tax Act, 1961. **4. Background and Rationale:** This policy addresses the need to recognize certain institutions with artistic or religious significance and grant them eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations. By designating Maa Umiya Temple as a place of artistic importance and public worship of renown, the government facilitates philanthropic contributions to the temple and incentivizes charitable giving. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The notification officially designates Maa Umiya Temple, managed by Vishv Umiya Foundation at Jaspur, Ahmedabad (PAN: AACTV3807E), as a place of artistic importance and public worship of renown throughout the state of Gujarat. * This designation is for the purposes of Section 80G of the Income-tax Act, 1961. * The designation is effective from the Financial Year 2021-2022, relevant to the Assessment Year 2022-2023. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * Maa Umiya Temple and the Vishv Umiya Foundation. * Potential donors to the Maa Umiya Temple. * Taxpayers in Gujarat who may wish to donate to the temple and claim deductions under Section 80G. * The Income Tax Department, responsible for administering and enforcing the Income-tax Act, 1961. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued the notification. * **Timelines:** The designation is effective from Financial Year 2021-2022, relevant to the Assessment Year 2022-2023. * The Vishv Umiya Foundation is responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 80G to maintain its eligibility. Donors would need to keep documentation of their donations to claim the deduction. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * Increased donations to Maa Umiya Temple due to the tax benefits offered to donors. * Enhanced financial resources for the temple to support its activities related to artistic preservation, public worship, and community service. * Potential increase in charitable giving in Gujarat as a result of this recognition. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 1698(E) provides a significant benefit to Maa Umiya Temple and its potential donors by designating it as a place eligible for tax-deductible donations under Section 80G of the Income-tax Act, 1961. This designation aims to encourage philanthropic contributions to the temple, enabling it to further its mission related to artistic and religious activities. This policy demonstrates the government's recognition of the importance of religious and artistic institutions in society.

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