Shillong (Meghalaya), May 27: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Tuesday rolled out major relief for transporters while tightening rules on VIP privileges and forest governance.
A One Time Settlement scheme was approved to slash penalties on Motor Vehicles Tax, Passenger and Goods Tax, and fitness fees. With penalties often far exceeding the actual dues, the government will now allow 90% exemption on pending fitness penalties and 80% on pending MV Tax and Goods and Passenger Tax. The window runs till August 31, 2026, giving local transporters a chance to clear backlogs and get back on the road.
Moving to curb VIP culture, the Cabinet cleared new regulations for name boards on official vehicles. The Transport Department has listed which posts can display name boards and set a uniform format for designations across government, judiciary, administration, and select statutory bodies. The move builds on an earlier SOP on sirens and lights and aims to bring discipline and clarity to official vehicle use.
The Cabinet also amended the Meghalaya Forest Authority Act, 1991 to let the Authority use funds for daily operations. The change is meant to improve coordination between the State Forest Department and Autonomous District Councils and boost monitoring and conservation efforts.
Officials urged transporters and vehicle owners to use the OTS window to regularize dues before the deadline.
