Kolkata: With over Rs 1,720 crore locked in unpaid vehicle taxes, permit fees and other transport-related dues, the state govt has proposed a 40% waiver to encourage defaulting commercial vehicle owners to clear their arrears. The move comes after a month-long recovery drive yielded just over Rs 100 crore, despite more than 3.5 lakh vehicles having outstanding tax liabilities.Transport minister Arjun Singh announced the proposal following a meeting with private bus and minibus operators on Tuesday. The transport department has forwarded the proposal to the finance department for approval. If cleared, commercial vehicle owners will have to pay only 60% of the dues covered under the scheme.“Nearly Rs 1,700 crore remains outstanding towards taxes, permits, licences and other fees. Bus operators have requested a waiver. We have recommended to the finance department that a 40% rebate be allowed. Once the proposal receives approval, vehicle owners will have to clear only 60% of their outstanding dues,” Singh said.The proposal could offer substantial relief to private bus and minibus operators grappling with rising operational expenses, particularly fuel, maintenance and staff costs. Operators have repeatedly sought concessions on accumulated dues, including fines and penalties.Transport department figures indicate that more than 3.5 lakh vehicles have tax arrears exceeding Rs 1,500 crore. A special enforcement drive launched last month had failed to generate the anticipated response. Officials believe many vehicle owners have been holding back payments in anticipation of a waiver scheme.The meeting, attended by senior police officers from Kolkata, Howrah and Bengal Police, also addressed the growing problem of private buses illegally changing their permitted routes to operate along more profitable corridors. “There are several buses that illegally change their designated routes. Bus operators have repeatedly complained about this. I have directed the police to take appropriate action,” Singh said.The minister directed police and motor vehicle inspectors to intensify surveillance and ensure that buses operate strictly along their authorised routes. Operators cannot unilaterally switch routes after obtaining permits, he clarified.Meanwhile, the transport department will deploy additional buses from Oct 12 to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers during Durga Puja. While operators welcomed the proposed concession, its implementation will depend on the finance department’s approval and the final terms of the waiver, including which categories of outstanding dues qualify for relief.
