The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has asked the state government to help Meghalaya commercial vehicles by cutting taxes and fines imposed on them.
HITO presented a memorandum today to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who also holds the Transport portfolio, to request the state government introduce Meghalaya Motor Vehicle Rules.
The pressure group said that, unlike other states, Meghalaya does not have its own rules and this means that commercial vehicles are subjected to “exorbitant fines and taxes”.
These burden the vehicle owners, “who struggle to support their families on limited incomes” after paying off the taxes and fines.
HITO specifically called for the fine for late renewal of licences and permits to be reduced by 50 percent. It also called for the establishment of a committee to allow individuals and vehicle owner associations to voice their concerns and provide suggestions in order to draft the rules governing motor vehicles.
HITO also urged the government to implement an e-challan system for paying vehicle fines in order to prevent the leakage of government revenue and ensure that the full amount paid goes directly to the state exchequer, reducing the possibility of bribery or mishandling of funds and providing transparency.
Call for improvements to Jowai MTC
The West Jaiñtia Hills unit of the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has urged the Transport Minister to initiate improvements in the service of the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) in Jowai.
The pressure group said that the MTC terminus at the West Jaintia Hills district headquarters has poor infrastructure, such as an “inefficient” ticket counter, fencing and public toilets. It is also short of an adequate number of staff.
HITO further pointed out that the bus route from Jowai to Khanduli Hamren has been inactive for a couple of years and the Jowai-Saipung route also needs dedicated service.
