RTO to crackdown on registration of vehicles in other states

RTO to crackdown on registration of vehicles in other states

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sep 3, 2011: Those involved in the vehicle registration racket have been asked to pay their taxes before the end of September or forfeit their vehicles.

Recently, vehicle owners have gotten into the habit of registering their vehicles in Kerala, Pondicherry, and other places to avoid paying taxes to the state government. The taxes in these places are much lower than the taxes in Karnataka. C. Mallikarjuna, the Mangalore regional transport officer, has now decided to take stern action against these offenders.

Addressing reporters at a press conference held today, he said that the issue is very serious and that such vehicle owners have been alerted and asked to pay taxes to the government of Karnataka, failing which their vehicles will be seized.

Stating that the law does not permit vehicle owners to register their vehicles in other parts of the country, he said that vehicle owners can use their vehicles in other states for a maximum of 6 months. He stated that more than 80 vehicles, especially expensive vehicles, have been running in Mangalore more than the permitted six months.

Further, he said that the RTO has achieved a royalty collection of Rs. 94 crore as against the target of Rs. 80 crore. By March 31, 2011, Mangalore RTO has registered 2,01,059 two-wheelers, 63,075 light vehicles, and 60,660 transport vehicles. He said that the royalty collection target for 2011 – 12 is Rs. 101 crore.

He also said that auto rickshaws registered before April 1, 2000 will receive a subsidy of Rs. 15,000 if they have adopted a 4-stroke method with LPG fit in place of the existing 2 stroke. He added that the government has earmarked Rs. 1 crore for this purpose.

Commenting on corruption within the RTO office, he said that it is up to the public to stop corruption. If people flatly refuse to pay bribes, the problem is solved, he stated. Regarding buses not operating on permitted routes, he said that their permits will be cancelled if the issue is brought to the notice of the RTO and that KSRTC buses will be allowed to ply along those routes.