Whether Council has powers to grant exemption from payment of taxes

No, the power to grant exemption is vested with the Government. In other words, the Government by notification on the recommendations of the Council may grant exemption from tax generally, either absolutely or subject to such conditions as may be notified from the whole or any part of the tax leviable thereon.

(ICAI FAQ PUBLICATION 06-09-2017 POWER TO GRANT EXEMPTION FROM TAX: FAQ NO. 1)