SHILLONG, MAY 9: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the government is examining a request from Jaintia Hills truckers to waive off penalties and fees on vehicle documents, and will extend relief “as per law” where possible.
Dhar was speaking after meeting the Joint Action Committee comprising the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners & Transporters Association and the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association.
“…they (JAC) have requested me to waive off some of the fees — document fees, vehicle fees and all,” he told reporters.
He noted that many operators who had paid regularly for years now face steep fines.
“They have expressed that because in the last few years their business is not in good condition, due to coal ban this and that, and sometimes export to Bangladesh was stopped. So, they…requested me to waive some of the taxes, if possible,” he said.
Dhar said the matter is under review and relief would be extended in stages. “I am in the process of looking at this matter and examining it. I think we will help them in some stages,” he said. He clarified that only State-level levies could be considered for waiver. “First, we have to check which section we can waive. Maybe some sections linked directly with the Central Motor Vehicles Act are not possible,” he said.
Dhar said a proposal would be placed before the Cabinet. “I have not decided yet how much percent we will waive. First, I have to prepare a proposal on what is feasible and bring it to Cabinet for approval,” he said.
“Definitely we will help them to the maximum as per the law. I cannot blindly say I will waive everything, nor can I say I cannot help at all. Those related to state taxes, we are in coordination with the Taxes and Revenue Departments to help as much as possible,” he added.
In its memorandum, the JAC urged the state government to re-introduce a “Special One-Time Settlement” scheme to help transporters regularise documents affected by long-pending royalties and fees.
The committee was following up on a proposal first submitted on November 10, 2025.
“We would like to bring to your kind attention the growing hardship faced by a significant number of truck owners in our region,” the JAC said.
It added that accumulated dues had made renewals unviable.
“Due to the accumulation of long-pending royalties and associated fees over the years, many owners find it financially impossible to renew their vehicle documents under current conditions. This has resulted in a large fleet of vehicles remaining ‘invalid’ on paper, which hinders the livelihood of local transporters,” the letter stated.
Calling the OTS a “mutually beneficial solution,” the JAC said, “Relief for Owners: It will provide a much-needed lifeline to truck owners, allowing them to regularize their documents at an affordable, settled rate.”
On State revenue, it said, “Revenue Generation: Implementation of this scheme will lead to an immediate influx of revenue for the State Government through the collection of settled arrears that might otherwise remain unpaid.”
It also noted, “Legal Compliance: It ensures that more vehicles operate within the legal framework, improving overall transport regulation in the state.”
“We trust in your leadership and your commitment to the welfare of the transport sector. We look forward to a positive response that will ease the burden on our members and contribute to the state’s exchequer,” the memorandum added.
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