Shillong, July 27: Deputy Chief Minister and NPP national vice-president Sniawbhalang Dhar has reminded the voters of Jaintia Hills that the government had waived off Rs 850 crore in pending vehicle dues under One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme.
Addressing an election campaign rally for NPP’s Shillong LS bye-election candidate Dr DRL Nonglait at Sutnga, Dhar said 1.70 lakh vehicles had defaulted on taxes after Covid-19 and the bans on coal and timber in 2020. Total liabilities had crossed Rs 1050 crore.
“If we enforced collection, over 3 lakh people dependent on trucks would lose their livelihood,” the Deputy CM, who also holds the Transport portfolio, said.
The cabinet approved waivers of 80% on other taxes and 90% on fitness fees.
“Out of Rs 1050 crore, we have waived about Rs 850 crore,” Dhar stated.
He urged owners to clear dues before the OTS deadline of August 31.
He rejected the charge that the government favours only contractors.
“We are working for everyone. The progress of the poor is the progress of the state,” Dhar said, adding that drivers keep the economy running.
Dhar listed key projects, including a proposed Rs 21,000 crore greenfield four-lane from Umroi to Ratacherra that will reduce Khliehriat-Guwahati travel time from 7 hours to 2.5 hours.
He said urban tap water connections have risen from 7,000 in 2018 to 4-5 lakh now, a college has been sanctioned for Jaintia Hills, and Rs 600-700 crore has been released for SHG loans.
Seeking support for Dr Nonglait, Dhar called him “not easy to find” and noted his service as a PCI member.
He also praised local MLA Santa Mary Shylla for securing Rs 400 crore in sanctions for the constituency.
“Saipung is one of the most backward areas. Once the Sutnga road is completed, you will see real development,” Dhar added.
