By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has launched a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme offering substantial waivers on taxes and penalties to commercial vehicle owners in a bid to clear long-pending transport dues.
The scheme was launched by Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in Shillong after receiving approval from the state cabinet.
Under the scheme, commercial vehicle owners can avail an 80 per cent waiver on outstanding Motor Vehicle Tax and Goods and Passenger Tax dues, along with related penalties. A 90 per cent waiver has also been offered on penalties linked to Fitness Certificates.
Dhar said the scheme covers outstanding liabilities accumulated over several years, regardless of when they originated, and will be implemented in accordance with the formula approved by the government.
According to the Transport Department, total outstanding dues across the state are estimated at nearly Rs 1,100 crore, including around Rs 900 crore in fitness certificate penalties alone. Officials estimate that the government could recover between Rs 180 crore and Rs 200 crore if vehicle owners avail themselves of the scheme.
Government data shows that around 65,000 vehicles have pending Motor Vehicle Tax dues, while 12,642 vehicles are liable for Goods and Passenger Tax payments. More than 57,000 vehicles also have outstanding penalties related to Fitness Certificates.
The scheme will remain open until August 31, 2026.
Dhar said vehicle owners would have to continue making regular quarterly or monthly payments under existing regulations after the scheme ends, adding that such waiver programmes cannot be introduced frequently.
On the proposed Vehicle Scrappage Policy, the minister said the government is putting the necessary systems in place and that the policy will be implemented after the required groundwork is completed