The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a one-time settlement scheme with up to 90 per cent exemption on penalties relating to motor vehicle tax, passenger and goods tax and fitness fees. The cabinet also approved proposed regulations on the use of name boards on Meghalaya government official vehicles and strengthen the forest administration in the state. Announcing the decision after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said many commercial vehicles had accumulated heavy dues over the years due to pending renewals of taxes and fitness certificates.
“While the actual fees are modest, penalties imposed over time became disproportionately high, creating severe financial stress for many, especially local transporters who depend on these vehicles for their livelihood. Keeping this in mind and recognizing that most transporters are our own local citizens, the Government has decided to grant 90 per cent exemption on penalties for pending fitness certificates and 80 per cent exemption on pending MV Tax and Goods & Passenger Tax,” Sangma said.
This one-time settlement will be valid till August 31, 2026, and is aimed at helping transporters return to normalcy, ease financial burden, and ensure better compliance moving forward. The Chief Minister urged all transporters and vehicle owners to take advantage of this opportunity and regularize pending dues. The Cabinet has approved the proposed regulation on the use of name boards on official vehicles of the Government of Meghalaya.
“To address the concerns around VIP culture, we had earlier introduced an SOP regulating the use of sirens, lights, and other privileges on government vehicles. In line with that, the Transport Department has now identified the specific positions authorized to use official name boards and prescribed a standard format based on designation,” Sangma said. The approved guidelines primarily cover officials in government, judiciary, administration, and select statutory positions. This step will ensure greater clarity, consistency, and discipline in the use of official vehicles across the state, he added