Chalak Welfare Board thanks CM for motor vehicle tax relief

GANGTOK,: The Motor Vehicle Division of State Transport department has extended 20% relief in recently revised tax rates effective October 1.

The reduction of tax rate has provided some respite to drivers across Sikkim, said All Sikkim Chalak Welfare Board chairman Sonam Ongdup Bhutia in a press conference today. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister P.S. Golay, who is also the minister-in-charge of Transport department, and officials for addressing the drivers' concerns.

Further, he informed that the board has till date received documents of around 6000-7000 drivers only for the medical insurance announced by the Chief Minister and appealed to all the remaining drivers of the State to come forward and submit their documents.

STA secretary Roshan Pradhan said that following the initial revision of tax rates on September 12, a petition was submitted by taxi associations and organizations Statewide. The petition was thoroughly reviewed and subsequently presented to the Chief Minister, who approved the 20% reduction, he added.

Pradhan informed that for vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 900cc, the previous token tax of Rs. 1500 had increased to Rs. 3000, but with the new reduction, the applicable tax will now be Rs. 2400. He also compared Sikkim's tax rates favourably against those of neighbouring West Bengal, where similar vehicles incur significantly higher taxes.

Additionally, Pradhan mentioned that the revised tax can be paid in multiple instalments – quarterly, half-yearly, or annually. Drivers can also opt for a one-time payment covering five years, which includes an additional 20% rebate on the total tax amount.

The press conference was also attended by MVD joint director Karma Zimba.