Govt revenue took Rs 800 Cr hit for OTS scheme, but people first: Tynsong

SHillong, Jul 1: The Meghalaya government’s revenue “dropped significantly” after waiving over Rs 800 crore in dues for commercial vehicle owners under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday.

He said the decision was taken despite the financial impact to support the transport sector, which handles 95% of the state’s transportation.

“In the Cabinet, after Sniawbhalang gave a presentation along with officers from the Transport Department, I tell you, the government’s revenue would have dropped significantly,” Tynsong said.

“The Rs 1,100 crore that you were supposed to pay — it was not an easy matter. It was also not something we could simply waive off,” he added.

“But after much deliberation, under the leadership of our Chief Minister, we were able to waive over Rs 800 crore out of the Rs 1,100 crore, and we called this scheme the very special One-Time Settlement scheme.”

Tynsong was speaking at a felicitation programme organised by the Joint Action Committee, which honoured Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar for the OTS scheme.

He said those in government rarely receive appreciation for such decisions.

“One thing I want to say is that we rarely get such programmes in our public service. Because those of us in public service, those of us who hold office, are often criticised, scolded, and blamed. Very few appreciate what we do,” he said.

“Thank you to the members of the JAC for this honour. We are deeply honored and you really inspired us.”

Tynsong stressed that government leaders are not infallible and called for collective effort.

“We are all human beings. Please don’t think that because we run the government, just because Conrad K. Sangma is the Chief Minister, myself and Sniawbhalang Dhar just because we are Deputy Chief Ministers, we don’t commit mistakes — I think that is totally wrong,” he said.

“We need to work together closely for the interest of the state of Meghalaya.”

He described transporters as vital to the state’s economy and grassroots connectivity.

“I would like to tell you that we are so thankful for the services provided by all of you. Without the vehicle owners and the transporters, I don’t think we will be able to reach out to the grassroots,” Tynsong said.

“For that reason, you are the most important channel to uplift the economy of our state of Meghalaya.”

He urged the sector to use the waiver to grow. “So, I request and urge everyone to treat this as a golden opportunity given to you by the government, and I firmly believe that from now on, you will be able to further grow your business in the transportation sector.”

On governance, he said, “If we want to clap, clapping with one hand is incomplete. When we clap, both hands must come together.”

Advising the association to remain focused, he added, “There are many who forget the path because they are distracted. We watch football every night during the World Cup. We see all kinds of players — some who get red cards, some who get yellow cards. But if you look closely at the rules, you’ll see that a player who gets a red card or yellow card often fails to score a goal because he gets distracted.”

“Remember, as an association, do not get distracted. Remember to move from destination to destination so that you progress in your livelihood. And not only that, I request the residents of the state — pointing fingers at others achieves nothing.”

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