Loss of revenue as Trans Dept lets pvt vehicles run for com purposes

New Delhi, Apr 22 (UNI) Delhi government's Transport Department records show that as many as 679 private vehicles in national capital were used for commercial purposes in 2005-06.

The department 'challaned' only 566 private vehicles for evading tax meant for commercial vehicles, Comptroller and Auditor General of India said in his report on activities of the state government department.

566 such vehicles were fined by the traffic court while 113 vehicles irregularly used for commercial purposes escaped notice and were never 'challaned' by the department, the report said.

This resulted in a loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 11.37 lakh on account of fine, fitness fee and road tax chargeable for registration of commercial vehicles, it added.

The matter had been brought to the notice of the department and the Delhi government, and a reply was awaited.

The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 stipulated fine upto Rs 5,000 for such a violation, besides the road tax chargeable for registration of commercial vehicles, fitness fee, registration fee and fine at a prescribed rate, that has to be paid by the vehicle owner.

UNI