Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Shillong: The Meghalaya Cabinet has greenlit a one-time settlement program designed to provide significant relief to commercial vehicle owners struggling with mounting tax penalties. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced the initiative following a recent cabinet meeting, noting that many local transporters have faced financial strain due to heavy interest accumulated on overdue renewals.
Under the new scheme, owners of commercial vehicles can receive a 90 percent exemption on penalties related to pending fitness certificates. Additionally, penalties involving motor vehicle taxes and passenger or goods taxes will be reduced by 80 percent. Vehicle owners have until August 31, 2026, to settle their dues and bring their records up to date.
Beyond vehicle taxation, the cabinet finalized new regulations regarding the use of name boards on official government vehicles. This measure aims to reduce VIP culture and follows previous restrictions on the unauthorized use of lights and sirens. The Transport Department has now established a standardized format and designated specific authorized positions for the use of these boards.
The government also approved an amendment to the Meghalaya Forest Authority Act of 1991. This legislative update is intended to improve cooperation between the state forest department and autonomous district councils. The change allows the authority to access funds for daily operational needs, which officials expect will lead to better forest governance and more effective conservation efforts.
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