Vehicles used occasionally: CE
RTO insists on mandatory registration
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar, July 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) has acquired approximately 43 advanced snow clearance vehicles valued at 30 crores.
However, surprisingly, these vehicles are yet to be registered with the transport department, leading to an estimated tax evasion of 3 crore.
In an RTI response, the Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Department Kashmir disclosed the purchase of 43 trucks from Ashoka Leyland Model Guru 715, 18 tractors model 6090 from M/s Shalimar Engineering Pvt Ltd, two snow blowers model 5000T from M/s Zaugg AG (OEM), and 14 trucks with snow plows model Unimog 423 from M/s Marib Constructions, Srinagar.
The department also disclosed that these vehicles are not registered as they are plying on road during snow clearance.
Sources revealed that so far no action has been taken against the MED or any official for failing to register them with the transport department.
However, concerns persist over the potential consequences of operating unregistered vehicles.
“If there will be any accident, the absence of registration could complicate insurance claims and legal proceedings, raising questions about safety standards and regulatory compliance,” they said.
Sources further said that some vehicles purchased from overseas / European countries require OEM certificates as few vehicles are purchased from local dealers. There is an apprehension these dealers are not fulfilling requisite criteria,” sources alleged.
Chief Engineer Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Department Kashmir, Er. Manga Ram Kotwal, confirmed that 43 vehicles acquired for snow clearance operations over the past two years have not been registered yet.
“These vehicles operate solely during snowfall and remain largely unused throughout the rest of the year. They do not require registration due to their minimal utilization,” he explained, adding that their procurement aligns with government policy.
Chief Engineer Kotwal further said these vehicles have not been brought for any revenue generation, they have been brought for people’s benefit and safety.
“They are dedicated solely to snow clearance operations and are essential for public convenience. We got only funds for procuring these vehicles and not for token or any registration purposes.
Meanwhile, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, told Rising Kashmir that it is compulsory to register every vehicle, whether government or private.
“Every vehicle that operates on the road must be registered, along with payment of prescribed taxes. No exceptions are allowed,” he emphasized upon being informed of this case.
Reacting to the occasional use of vehicles during snow clearance, he expressed concern over potential accidents and questioned responsibility in such scenarios.
“We have already directed the department to prioritize registration, or else legal action will be taken. We have informed the AEE MED to address this urgently,” RTO Kashmir Bukhari said.
He said without proper registration and insurance, there will be no recourse for claims in case of accidents involving unregistered vehicles.
