SHILLONG, MAY 8: Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the Meghalaya government is examining a request from truckers’ organisations in Jaintia Hills seeking waiver of penalties and fees related to vehicle documents, and assured that relief would be extended “as per law” wherever feasible.
Dhar was speaking after meeting a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and 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,” Dhar told reporters.
He said many transport operators who had regularly paid dues for years were now struggling under accumulated penalties amid difficult business conditions.
“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.
According to Dhar, the government is currently examining the matter and considering phased relief measures.
“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 levies within the state government’s jurisdiction could be considered for awaiver.
“First, we have to check which section we can waive. Maybe some sections linked directly with the Central Motor Vehicles Act are not possible,” Dhar said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said a formal proposal would be prepared and placed before the Cabinet for approval.
“I have not decided yet what percentage 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 a memorandum submitted to the government, the JAC urged the reintroduction of a “Special One-Time Settlement” (OTS) scheme to enable transporters to regularise vehicle documents affected by long-pending royalties and fees.
The committee said it 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 memorandum stated.
It said accumulated dues had made renewal of vehicle documents financially unviable for many operators.
“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 memorandum said.
Describing the proposed OTS as a “mutually beneficial solution,” the JAC said the scheme would provide relief to truck owners while also helping the government recover pending revenue.
“Relief for Owners: It will provide a much-needed lifeline to truck owners, allowing them to regularize their documents at an affordable, settled rate,” it stated.
On the potential benefit to the state exchequer, the memorandum added: “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.”
The JAC also said the scheme would improve legal compliance within the transport sector.
“Legal Compliance: It ensures that more vehicles operate within the legal framework, improving overall transport regulation in the state,” it said.
“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.