Mumbai: Compared to other states, the rates in Maharashtra are more than double, making it less of a charge and more of a tax, alleged Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal in a letter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis this week. An exorbitant fee is being charged under the pretext of high-security number plates, he alleged.
In his letter, Sapkal stated that high-security registration plates (HSRP) have been made mandatory for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. “While the initiative appears to be well-intentioned, it has become a means of looting vehicle owners across the state. The fee levied by the Maharashtra govt for these number plates is double or even triple compared to other states,” he stated.
State transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar told TOI that allegations of HSRP being “overpriced” in Maharashtra were baseless and not true, adding that the rates were fixed by the state govt through a “transparent process”. He further said that the cost of fitment of High Security Registration Plate in old vehicles, those registered before April 2019, in Maharashtra is less than the average cost in other states. “While two-wheeler average cost is in the range of Rs 420 to 480, it will cost Rs 450 in Maharashtra. Similarly, the average cost of a four-wheeler is in the range of Rs 690 to Rs 800 and in Maharashtra, we have fixed the price at Rs 745,” he said.
“We have reasonable rates for the special refuses tip number plates in the state as compared to the average cost in other states,” Bhimanwar added. The average cost of HSRP for heavy motor vehicles is up to Rs 800 while in Maharashtra, the price is Rs 745, an official said.
In his letter, Sapkal alleged that in neighbouring Goa, the fee for a two-wheeler is Rs 155, while in Maharashtra, it is Rs 450. For three-wheelers, Goa charges Rs 155, whereas Maharashtra demands Rs 500, he pointed out. Similarly, for four-wheelers, the fee in Goa is Rs 203, but in Maharashtra, it is a whopping Rs 745. States like Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab also charge lower fees than Maharashtra. What is the justification for charging double or triple in Maharashtra? Additionally, an 18% GST applies to these number plates, but the RTO has concealed this fact, further burdening vehicle owners, he added.
Sapkal demanded that the govt make public the letter of intent and work order issued to the contractor. He also urged the administration to extend the deadline for vehicle owners, remove unnecessary restrictions, and ensure easy availability of the plates. The deadline was extended to April 30, an official said.