Vehicle owners continue to suffer as HSRP row persists

SHILLONG: Even as the issue of over pricing of the high security registration plates (HSRP) in Meghalaya has been debated and discussed for long, there seems to be no solution in sight to the vexed issue.
Vehicle owners, meanwhile, continue to suffer as they have to shell out the high amount for fitting the registration plates.
Despite the fact that HSRP costs a mere Rs.100-Rs.300 in most states of the country, in the North East people are paying between Rs.400 to Rs.1300 for the same. Meghalaya, meanwhile, breaks all records with fitting of the plate costing as much as Rs.1905.
Shimnit Utsch India Pvt. Ltd is implementing the project in the State.
Speaking on the matter, Additional Chief Secretary in charge Transport, K.S. Kropha said the rates were fixed through a tender.
It may be mentioned that the agreement with the company was signed way back in 2006. According to Kropha, the agreement is valid for around 15 years.
It has been learnt that private parties have even approached the Supreme Court on the matter.
Earlier, different NGOs including transporters had expressed stiff opposition to the high price of HSRP in Meghalaya even as they questioned its credibility.
Former Transport Minister A.T. Mondal was also not happy and had even given strict warning to Shimnit Utsch to adhere to the terms of the agreement failing which the government would have to cancel the contract with the company.
Attempts were made to contact Shimnit Utsch Pvt. Ltd. for their comments but the officials could not be reached.