CAG Report Reveals Lapses in Vehicle Fitness Enforcement in Mizoram
Serious Findings on Vehicle Fitness Certificates
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Aizawl, Sept 4: A staggering 2,977 transport vehicles in Kolasib district were discovered to be operating with expired fitness certificates, resulting in the State Government missing out on Rs 35.36 crore in fees and penalties, according to a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
This revelation is part of a recent CAG report presented in the Mizoram Assembly, highlighting significant enforcement deficiencies within the State Transport Department.
An audit conducted on the District Transport Office (DTO) in Kolasib, utilizing data from the VAHAN system dated November 29, 2022, revealed that the fitness certificates for these vehicles had lapsed. The department failed to provide evidence that these vehicles had been removed from circulation.
The audit estimated that Rs 35.17 crore in fines and Rs 19.35 lakh in fees related to renewals and fitness had not been collected from these vehicles.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, valid fitness certificates are mandatory for transport vehicles to be legally registered. The CAG pointed out that the ongoing operation of vehicles with expired certificates signifies a lack of enforcement of the necessary fitness regulations.
The department informed the audit that demand notices were sent to offenders in January 2020 and January 2023. However, the CAG noted that the seven sample notices reviewed were related to vehicle registration renewals and did not specifically address the payment of fitness fees and fines.
In October 2024, the audit raised these concerns with the department and the State Government.
In a response from November 2024, the Government stated that measures were being implemented against transport-related offenders through both the District Transport Offices and the Directorate. They mentioned issuing notices to owners of vehicles older than 15 years for registration renewal, which includes updating documents such as fitness fees and fines.
The Government also highlighted enforcement initiatives conducted throughout the year, including joint operations with the Mizoram Police during Road Safety Week.
Nonetheless, the department acknowledged that its enforcement capabilities were limited, with only 40 personnel available to cover the entire State, which poses challenges due to the difficult terrain.
The CAG remarked that the Government's response lacked details on the actions taken to recover the outstanding dues highlighted in the audit.
The audit concluded that enforcement measures were insufficient, despite the legal obligation for mandatory fitness certification. It also noted that demand notices primarily targeted registration renewals rather than the recovery of fitness fees and penalties.