The Meghalaya government has launched a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme offering major tax and penalty waivers to commercial vehicle owners, with the aim of clearing long-pending dues and boosting revenue collection.
The scheme was launched in Shillong by Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar. Approved by the state cabinet, the initiative allows commercial vehicle owners to settle outstanding liabilities by availing substantial concessions on taxes and penalties.
Under the scheme, vehicle owners will receive an 80 per cent waiver on pending Motor Vehicle Tax, Goods and Passenger Tax dues, along with associated penalties. A 90 per cent waiver will also be granted on penalties linked to Fitness Certificates.
Dhar said the settlement window covers outstanding dues accumulated over several years, irrespective of when they originated, and will be implemented according to the formula approved by the government.
The Transport Department estimates that total outstanding dues across the state stand at nearly Rs 1,100 crore. Of this, around Rs 900 crore relates to fitness certificate penalties alone. Officials expect the government to recover between ₹180 crore and ₹200 crore if vehicle owners make use of the scheme and clear their liabilities.
Government data shows that about 65,000 vehicles have pending Motor Vehicle Tax dues, while 12,642 vehicles are liable for Goods and Passenger Tax payments. More than 57,000 vehicles also have outstanding penalties related to Fitness Certificates.