Government of Assam reduces late-payment-penalty under “one-time settlement scheme for renewal of fitness certificate”

The Government of Assam has offered a one-time settlement scheme for renewal of fitness certificate at a reduced late fine fee for those vehicle owners who couldn’t ply their vehicles due to imposition of complete lockdown for outbreak of COVID-19.

In a notification issued to this effect, Secretary, Transport department, Adil Khan said the transport vehicle owners who couldn’t ply their vehicles due to imposition of complete lockdown to arrest the spread of COVID-19 disease and consequently unable to renew their fitness certificate within the stipulated time, have been given the chance to clear their accumulated arrears at a much reduced fee.

The order that comes into force with effect from July 15 for a period of three months till October 15.

Under the one-time settlement scheme, as against the Rs.50 levied per day as late fee for failing to obtain fitness certificate within the prescribed time-limit, an owner of a three-wheeler transport vehicle has to pay Rs.10 per day, a commercial tractor owner Rs.15 per day, a four-wheeler transport Rs.20 per day and a heavy commercial vehicle, transport vehicle and others Rs.25 per day. To avail this benefit, a vehicle owner has to update all relevant documents along with payment of motor vehicle road tax.

“A vehicle owner has to deposit the requisite fee and fine within the period of three months of reduced late fine till the date and time given for production of the vehicle for on-the-spot inspection by respective DTOs or MVIs,” quipped Khan.

The benefit will not be applicable in the event if any vehicle owner fails to produce his or her vehicle on the slots assigned for verification of vehicle by concerned DTOs or MVIs.

Khan further informed that the vehicle owners do not have to visit the office of DTOs as they can apply online at www.parivahan.gov.in or at the nearest CSC.

Meanwhile, the Transport Secretary has directed the DTOs and MVIs to maintain proper records of date and time fixed for those vehicles that have deposited the requisite fee and fine within the three-month window period. The DTOs and MVIs will have to dispose of applications within 30 days.

Khan requested the transport vehicle owners to avail the one-time opportunity, as it has been primarily done to reduce their financial hardships due to COVID induced lockdown. “I appeal to the vehicle owners to come forward and avail the one time settlement scheme being extended by the state government for renewal of fitness certificate at a steeply reduced rate. Failure to do so will entail full penalty amount of late fine fee for Rs.50 per day,” he added.