Only 11,508 SK vehicles fitted with high security registration plates

 Last date gone; MVD mulls over taking action against vehicles not fitted with HSRP

Pappu mallick

GANGTOK, August 3: Only 11,508 vehicles in the State have been fitted with High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) till date even as the rule for the same was notified by the department on October 1, in 2008.

HSRP, it may be mentioned here was introduced nationwide after a verdict by the Supreme Court in 2008 with an aim to track vehicles movement along with control of theft of vehicles.

It was first implemented in three States – Sikkim, Goa and Meghalaya. Currently all the major States across the nation have been asked to implement HSRPs.

Speaking to media persons yesterday, Motor Vehicle Inspector (Technical, Headquarters) N Sharma informed that as per the notification dated June 7, 2011 of Motor Vehicle Division, Transport Department, the SC in its order dated April 7, 2011 has directed all the State Governments to complete implementation of HSRP scheme within the stipulated time which has been extended to June 30, 2011 in Sikkim.

Considering the directives of the SC, MVD, Sikkim has notified that all vehicles (Government, Private and Commercial) must affix HSRP that too before payment of the next token Tax. Sharma added that in case of non compliance to the order that a legal action would be taken under the provision of the Central Motor Vehicle Act-1988.

Informing that the last date of completion of HSRP scheme is over for Sikkim, the Motor Vehicle Inspector said that still there are 11,917 vehicles identified across state which are not fitted with SHRP. MVD, he said is currently working on preparing the rules under which action on non compliance of the order or notification can be done.

Concerning the non compliance of MVD notification on HSRP, the MVD, Sharma further said has already discussed with the Director General of Police, all Superintendents of Police, Traffic Police and on the basis of the discussion MVD in coordination with Sikkim Police will soon take necessary legal action against those vehicles not fitted with HSRP across the State.

There are approximately 46,995 vehicles plying across the state currently but the exact figure of vehicles is under compilation, he informed.

In the meantime, the Company awarded with the HSRP scheme in Sikkim has been given the target of 32,000 vehicles which is yet to be fulfilled and unless the target is met by M/s. Tonnjes Eastern Security Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the HSRP scheme would continue under the same company.

The cost incurred for availing HSRP for light and heavy vehicles is Rs. 2048 and Rs 821 for two-wheelers.

It was also informed that the MVD had recently in a meeting proposed for Global Positioning System (GPS) facility for HSRP in the State and that the correspondence on GPS is under way.

While speaking to one of the staff members of M/s. Tonnjes eastern security technologies Pvt. Ltd, it was informed that the process of fitting HSRP in the State is heading smoothly but currently the operation of HSRP has been shifted to Jalipool, SNT workshop complex and in the SNT headquarters premises the paper work for HSRP is only met. The shift of the fittings venue of HSRP from SNT premises, Gangtok was done due to traffic congestion in the complex and non-availability of space, the Company said.