Shillong, May 26: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of important decisions, including a One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for transporters, regulation of name boards on official vehicles and amendments to strengthen forest governance in the state.
One of the major decisions taken by the Cabinet was the approval of a One Time Settlement scheme for waiver and reduction of penalties related to Motor Vehicles Tax, Passenger and Goods Tax and Fitness Fees.
The government stated that many commercial vehicles had accumulated heavy dues over the years due to pending renewals of motor vehicle taxes, goods and passenger taxes and fitness certificates. While the original fees remained relatively modest, penalties imposed over time had become disproportionately high, placing financial stress on transporters.
Under the approved scheme, the government will grant a 90 per cent exemption on penalties for pending fitness certificates and an 80 per cent exemption on pending Motor Vehicle Tax and Goods & Passenger Tax dues.
The scheme will remain valid till August 31, 2026 and is aimed at helping transporters regularise pending dues, reduce financial burden and improve compliance.
The Cabinet also approved regulations concerning the use of name boards on official vehicles of the Government of Meghalaya.
According to the government, the move follows earlier Standard Operating Procedures regulating the use of sirens, lights and other privileges on government vehicles as part of efforts to address concerns surrounding VIP culture.
The Transport Department has now identified specific positions authorised to use official name boards and prescribed a standard format based on official designation.
The approved guidelines will apply mainly to officials in government, judiciary, administration and select statutory positions to ensure uniformity, clarity and discipline in the use of official vehicles.
In another decision, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Meghalaya Forest Authority Act, 1991 aimed at strengthening coordination between the State Forest Department and the Autonomous District Councils in forest protection and management.
The amendment will enable the Authority to utilise funds for day-to-day functioning, monitoring, coordination and collaboration for improved forest governance and conservation efforts across Meghalaya.
The government stated that although the amendment is administrative in nature, it is necessary to ensure the Authority functions effectively and fulfils its intended objectives.
