SHILLONG: Inaction on the part of DTOs and State Transport Authority led to non-realisation of penalty amounting to Rs 23 lakh which was supposed to be levied against 1150 vehicle owners who had not renewed their permits after expiry of validity period.
This was revealed by the CAG report for the year ended March 31, 2014.
Under section 81 (1) and (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, the validity of a commercial permit to passenger vehicles is for five years and may be renewed on an application made not less than 15 days before the expiry of the permit. Plying of vehicles without a valid permit attracts provision of Section 19A of the MV Act, under which a minimum penalty of Rs 2000 shall be levied.
As per the CAG report, it was noticed that 1150 vehicles-422 under DTO, Nongpoh, 240 under DTO, Tura, 87 under DTO, Baghmara, 46 under DTO, Nongstoin and 355 under STA, Meghalaya– did not renew their permits for various periods between January 2006 and March 2014 and for non-renewal of permits after expiry of validity period, penalty of Rs 23 lakh was leviable under the provisions of Section 192 A but it was not levied.
When the matter was pointed out DTO Nongpoh, while accepting the observation, stated that demand notes would be issued against the defaulters. However, a report on action taken and recovery effected was awaited as on August 2014.
In respect of others, the cases were reported to the Transport department between October 2013 and May 2014 and the reply was awaited.
