NPP highlights Rs 850 cr tax waiver during Shillong by-election campaign

SHILLONG, July 26: The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has highlighted the government’s decision to waive approximately Rs 850 crore in pending vehicle dues as it intensified its campaign for party candidate Dr. DRL Nonglait in the upcoming Shillong parliamentary by-election.
Addressing an election rally at Sutnga, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme was introduced to provide relief to vehicle owners hit hard by the economic fallout of the pandemic and restrictions on coal and timber.
According to Dhar, around 1.70 lakh vehicles had defaulted on taxes, with total liabilities exceeding Rs 1,050 crore. He informed that the government avoided strict enforcement as it would have crippled the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the transport sector.
“The Cabinet approved an 80 per cent waiver on other taxes and a 90 per cent waiver on fitness fees, resulting in the waiver of nearly Rs 850 crore from the total outstanding dues,” Dhar said, while urging vehicle owners to clear their remaining dues before the August 31 deadline under the OTS scheme.
Rejecting allegations that the administration works only for contractors, Dhar maintained that the NPP-led government is committed to all sections of society.
He noted that drivers and transport workers are essential to the state’s economy.
Highlighting infrastructure progress, Dhar mentioned a proposed Rs 21,000-crore greenfield four-lane highway from Umroi to Ratacherra, which is expected to reduce travel time between Khliehriat and Guwahati to two-and-a-half hours.
He further claimed that urban household tap water connections have increased from 7,000 in 2018 to nearly five lakh. Additionally, he noted that a new college has been sanctioned for Jaintia Hills and loans worth Rs 600-700 crore have been disbursed to Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Seeking support for Dr. Nonglait, Dhar described the candidate as a dedicated leader who previously served as a member of the Police Complaints Authority.