‘Fitment of tracking device must to get CF kept in abeyance till February 29’

Kolkata: The Transport department has decided to keep the provisions relating to the fitment of Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) as a mandatory precondition to the issuance of Certificate of Fitness (CF) in abeyance till February 29.

According to the department, this is being done to facilitate all categories of vehicles to avail of the waiver scheme. The ‘Waiver Scheme 2023-24’ offers a 100 per cent waiver of penalty accrued on taxes due till December 31, 2023, for a period of 60 days from January 1 till February 29, 2024.

As per estimates of the Transport department, there are around 12.5 lakh vehicles that have tax pending, or have not done certificate of fitness (CF) in due time, or have not renewed their permit. “We are offering a two-month window for a complete waiver of penalty accrued on taxes. We will also offer a waiver of additional fees for not obtaining CF in due time and a waiver of penalty on delayed renewal/ issuance of permit 100 per cent, if paid between January 1 to January 30, 2024, and 80 per cent if paid between January 31, 2024, to February 29, 2024,” state Transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty said.

The total fine along with dues is to the tune of Rs 4,700 crore and the department will be offering a waiver of around Rs 2,476 crore which brings the total dues down to Rs 2,217 crore. Out of the 12.5 lakh vehicles that can avail facilities of the waiver scheme, goods vehicles account for 35 per cent.

“We want vehicles, both private and commercial, to run on roads with valid documents to avoid hassles from the police or the motor vehicle inspectors. Imposition of fine is not our ultimate goal and we are hopeful of a day in near future when there will be end to fines,” Chakraborty said appealing to all vehicle owners both private and commercial to avail of this opportunity.