By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 10: Seeking relief from mounting penalties that have pushed many commercial vehicles out of operation, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) of truck owners from East Jaintia Hills has approached the state government with a proposal for a Special One-Time Settlement Scheme (SOTS).
The JAC, comprising the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and Transporters Association (EJHTOTA) and the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ Association (JHTOA), submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday.
The committee requested the government to introduce a one-time window to regularise vehicles with long-pending and invalid documents.
In its submission, the JAC appealed for waiver or substantial reduction of accumulated late fees and penalties so that vehicle owners can clear the principal tax amount and restore compliance.
It stated that many trucks remain non-operational due to heavy cumulative fines that owners are unable to afford, despite their willingness to settle the base dues.
The committee argued that such a scheme would not only bring relief to transporters but also generate immediate revenue for the state by facilitating recovery of outstanding taxes.
It added that regularisation would allow affected vehicles to resume legal operations and ensure timely renewal of documents in the future.
Expressing confidence in the government’s response, the JAC said it hopes the matter will be considered with both economic practicality and concern for the welfare of those dependent on the transport sector.
