DIMAPUR, JUNE 29 (MExN): District Congress Committee (DCC), Dimapur has demanded of the state government to come clean on the High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and the exorbitant prices being charged from vehicle owners for its affixation. The Anti-corruption Cell of the DCC, Dimapur picketed the District Transport Office on Friday, June 29, while serving an ultimatum to the government in this regard.
With allegations rife about the ruling government using ministerial clout for family business interests, the Anti-Corruption Cell of the DCC has demanded from the government a clear-cut account on the HSRP, the company contracted for its implementation, the exorbitant fee charged, besides its anti-theft efficacy. Ministers using ‘arm twisting’ tactics to ensure business contracts go to their kith and kin are nothing new to India, let alone Nagaland.
The ultimatum takes effect from June 30 and will expire on July 2. ‘Why the HSRP registration fee is so high as compared to other states, how far is it secure (or how effective), why is it being installed in only Kohima and Dimapur and not the rest of the district headquarters, and why does it take more than a month for getting the HSRP installed in a vehicle’ were the queries raised while soliciting explanation to the questions.
Besides, the government must also declare as to who has been awarded the lucrative contract, the number of registered vehicles in Nagaland, the revenue expected from the current HSRP initiative and the electronic device used (or to be used) for determining the authenticity of the HSRP be made public.
The government must clarify on the given points of demands by July 2, failing which, it will invite further agitations; and the clarification should be satisfactory, convenor of the DCC’s anti-corruption cell, H. Kisheto Chishi told media persons. Till the clarification is made, HSRP registration must be halted, it was added.
It is understood that it is directive of the Supreme Court. “We’re not against its implementation but the way it is being implemented and the harassment it is causing to the public,” said Chishi.
In Punjab, the charges are Rs. 100 for two-wheelers, Rs. 135 for three-wheelers, Rs. 295 for light motor vehicles and 315 for heavy commercial vehicles, exclusive of tax. In Delhi, it is classified as Rs. 70 for two-wheelers, Rs. 213 for four-wheelers, Rs. 85 for three-wheelers and Rs. 219 for commercial vehicles. In West Bengal, it is Rs. 500 for four-wheelers. Whereas, in Nagaland, it costs between Rs. 1300-1800 to have a light motor vehicle affixed with the HSRP, said Chishi providing a comparative assessment of the fees, state-wise.
The government has yet to declare as to which company was entrusted to put into action the HSRP initiative in Nagaland. It is reported that Shimnit Utsch – an Indo-German collaborative firm - won the HSRP bid for Nagaland, which sub-contracted a local firm to do its work.
