Shillong, May 27 (PTI) The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a one-time settlement scheme with up to 90 per cent exemption on penalties relating to motor vehicle tax, passenger and goods tax and fitness fees.
The cabinet also approved proposed regulations on the use of name boards on Meghalaya government official vehicles and strengthen the forest administration in the state.
Announcing the decision after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said many commercial vehicles had accumulated heavy dues over the years due to pending renewals of taxes and fitness certificates.
“While the actual fees are modest, penalties imposed over time became disproportionately high, creating severe financial stress for many, especially local transporters who depend on these vehicles for their livelihood,” Sangma said.
Under the scheme, the government has granted a 90 per cent exemption on penalties for pending fitness certificates and an 80 per cent exemption on pending motor vehicle tax and goods and passenger tax.
The one-time settlement will remain valid till August 31, 2026.
“Most transporters are our own local citizens. This initiative is aimed at helping them return to normalcy, ease their financial burden, and ensure better compliance moving forward,” the chief minister said, urging vehicle owners to avail of the opportunity and regularise pending dues.
The cabinet also approved proposed regulations on the use of name boards on official vehicles of the Meghalaya government.
Sangma said the move was in line with earlier steps taken by the government to curb VIP culture through regulations on the use of sirens, lights and other privileges on official vehicles.
“The Transport department has identified the specific positions authorised to use official name boards and prescribed a standard format based on designation,” he said.
According to the approved guidelines, the provisions would primarily apply to officials in the government, judiciary, administration and select statutory positions to ensure “greater clarity, consistency and discipline” in the use of official vehicles.
In another decision, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Meghalaya Forest Authority Act, 1991, to strengthen coordination between the state forest department and autonomous district councils in the protection and management of forests.
“This administrative amendment will enable the Authority to utilise funds for its day-to-day functioning, improving coordination, monitoring and collaboration for better forest governance and conservation in Meghalaya,” Sangma said.
Though minor in nature, the amendment was necessary to ensure the Authority could function effectively and fulfil its intended purpose, he added. PTI JOP RG
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