Shillong, June 11: The Government of Meghalaya, through the Transport Department, today launched a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme aimed at providing substantial relief to commercial vehicle owners by waiving outstanding taxes and penalties.
The scheme was officially launched by Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister In-Charge, Transport Department, at the Main Secretariat Building in Shillong.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dhar stated that the OTS Scheme was approved by the State Cabinet to encourage vehicle owners to clear long-pending dues.
Under the scheme, commercial vehicle owners will receive an 80% waiver on Motor Vehicle Tax, Goods and Passenger Tax dues and penalties, and a 90% waiver on penalties related to Fitness Certificates.
The Minister informed that outstanding dues accumulated over several years, regardless of when they originated, will be eligible for settlement under the scheme as per the formula approved by the Government.
According to departmental estimates, the total outstanding dues amount to nearly ₹1,100 crore, including approximately ₹900 crore in fitness certificate-related penalties.
The Transport Department estimates that if vehicle owners avail themselves of the scheme and clear their dues, the Government could generate revenues of approximately ₹180–200 crore.
Data presented during the Cabinet meeting indicated that around 65,000 vehicles have pending Motor Vehicle Tax dues, 12,642 vehicles have Goods and Passenger Tax liabilities, and over 57,000 vehicles have pending Fitness Certificate-related penalties.
The OTS Scheme will remain open until August 31, 2026. The Minister urged all commercial vehicle owners, including truck operators, to take advantage of the opportunity and clear their dues within the stipulated period.
He further emphasized that after the closure of the scheme, vehicle owners will be expected to make regular quarterly or monthly payments as required under existing regulations. The Government, he noted, cannot introduce such waiver schemes every year.
Responding to queries regarding the proposed Vehicle Scrappage Policy, Shri Dhar stated that the Government is currently in the process of preparing the necessary systems and mechanisms for its implementation. The policy will be rolled out once all required arrangements are in place.
The Government expressed confidence that the OTS Scheme will improve compliance, enhance revenue collection, and provide significant relief to commercial vehicle owners across the State.
