Shillong, July 1: The One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for transporters would cause a significant drop in the state revenue generation as Rs 800 crore in dues of commercial vehicles would be waived under the scheme, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday.
Tynsong justified the government decision – despite the financial impact – saying it’s to support the transport sector, which handles 95% of the state’s transportation.
Referring to a presentation given by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on the OTS scheme, he said Rs 800 crore of the total Rs 1,100-crore dues had to be waived, which is a “significant drop” in revenue.
“But after much deliberation, under the leadership of our Chief Minister, we were able to waive over Rs 800 crore out of the Rs 1,100 crore,” he said while addressing a felicitation programme organised by the Joint Action Committee.
Besides Tynsong, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar were honoured at the function for the OTS scheme.
Acknowledging that those in government rarely receive appreciation for such decisions, he said, “One thing I want to say is that we rarely get such programmes in our public service. Those of us in public service are often criticised, scolded, and blamed. Very few appreciate what we do.”
“Thank you to the members of the JAC for this honour. We are deeply honored and you really inspired us,” he said.
Tynsong stressed that government leaders are not infallible and called for collective effort.
“We are all human beings. Please don’t think that because we run the government, just because Conrad K. Sangma is the Chief Minister, myself and Sniawbhalang Dhar just because we are Deputy Chief Ministers, we don’t commit mistakes — I think that is totally wrong,” he said.
“We need to work together closely for the interest of the state of Meghalaya.”
He described transporters as vital to the state’s economy and grassroots connectivity.
“I would like to tell you that we are so thankful for the services provided by all of you. Without the vehicle owners and the transporters, I don’t think we will be able to reach out to the grassroots,” Tynsong said.
“For that reason, you are the most important channel to uplift the economy of our state of Meghalaya.”
He urged the sector to use the waiver to grow. “So, I request and urge everyone to treat this as a golden opportunity given to you by the government, and I firmly believe that from now on, you will be able to further grow your business in the transportation sector.”
