Shillong: The Meghalaya government has launched a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme aimed at providing financial relief to commercial vehicle owners struggling with long-pending tax obligations. Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar officially introduced the initiative at the Main Secretariat, offering significant reductions on outstanding dues and accumulated penalties.
Under this cabinet-approved program, vehicle owners can receive an 80 percent waiver on Motor Vehicle Tax, Goods and Passenger Tax, and related penalties. The scheme also provides a 90 percent waiver on penalties associated with Fitness Certificates. All outstanding dues, regardless of when they were incurred, are eligible for this settlement formula.
Departmental estimates suggest that total outstanding dues reach nearly Rs 1,100 crore, with fitness certificate penalties accounting for approximately Rs 900 crore of that figure. Officials hope the incentive will encourage compliance among the owners of roughly 65,000 vehicles with pending tax liabilities. Through this scheme, the state government projects it could generate between Rs 180 crore and Rs 200 crore in revenue.
The scheme remains active until August 31, 2026. Minister Dhar has urged transport operators and truckers to resolve their arrears during this period, warning that similar waivers will not be offered again. He noted that owners will be required to return to regular payment schedules once the deadline passes. As the minister stated, "the government expects the scheme to improve compliance and provide a much-needed financial reprieve to Meghalaya’s transport sector."
Regarding the upcoming Vehicle Scrappage Policy, the minister confirmed that the government is currently establishing the necessary infrastructure and will release further details once preparations are complete.
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