Cabinet approves standardised name boards for official vehicles

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 27: The state cabinet has approved regulations governing the use of name boards on official government vehicles.

Following an earlier SOP aimed at curbing “VIP culture” by regulating sirens and lights, the Transport Department has now standardised the format for name boards and identified the specific designations authorised to display them.

The guidelines apply to officials in the government, judiciary, administration, and select statutory positions.

“This step will ensure greater clarity, consistency, and discipline in the use of official vehicles across the state,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said.

In a separate decision, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Meghalaya Forest Authority Act, 1991, to strengthen coordination between the State Forest Department and the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).

The administrative amendment enables the Authority to utilise funds for daily operations, improving monitoring and collaboration for better forest governance and conservation. Although minor, the government stated the amendment is necessary to ensure the Authority functions effectively.

Transport tax penalties

The Cabinet has also approved a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to waive and reduce penalties related to Motor Vehicles Tax, Passenger and Goods Tax, and fitness fees.

The Chief Minister said commercial vehicles in the state have accumulated dues exceeding Rs 900 crore. While basic fees remain modest, cumulative penalties have created significant financial stress for local transporters.

To provide relief, the government has decided to grant a 90% exemption on penalties for pending fitness certificates and an 80% exemption on pending Motor Vehicle Tax and Goods & Passenger Tax.

The settlement scheme will remain valid until August 31, 2026. It is intended to ease the financial burden on transporters, help them regularise their documents, and ensure better tax compliance moving forward.