Emphasizes cashless transactions, action against overloaded vehicles
Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa, today conducted a surprise visit to MVD Tax Collection Post at Lakhanpur and had a detailed review of its functioning.
During the inspection, the Secretary interacted with the staff on duty and directed the RTO Kathua to ensure complete discontinuation of manual cash transactions. She instructed that all tax collections must be carried out strictly through the POS machines installed at the post.
Avny Lavasa asked the officers to ensure that vehicles from outside the UT without valid documents are not allowed entry into Jammu and Kashmir through the Lakhanpur post.
The Secretary also inspected the non-functional weighing bridges presently under the control of the State Taxes Department at the entry point. She directed the RTO Kathua to prepare an estimate and DPR for repair and upgradation of at least two weigh bridges. The functional weighing facility, she emphasized, will help in ensuring strict action against the overloaded goods vehicles.
RTO Kathua, Surinder Paul Sharma, apprised the Secretary of the need for real-time data sharing by the National Highways Authority of India regarding overloaded vehicles passing through NHAI weigh bridges at Lakhanpur. He urged for issuing necessary so that appropriate enforcement action can be taken to prevent revenue loss to the government.
The Secretary assured that the matter will be taken up with NHAI.
Later, speaking to media persons, the Secretary said that regular checking drives will be intensified across the UT to curb traffic violations. She said that the department is committed towards providing hassle-free services and ensuring safe transport facilities for the commuters.
Avny Lavasa added that strict action, including suspension of driving licences, route permits and registration certificates of habitual traffic violators, will be taken to minimize road accidents and safeguard the human lives. She also stated that infrastructure of MVD Kathua will be upgraded in line with the departmental requirements.
