Meghalaya pressure group urges digital alternative for PUCC updates

Shillong: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), a prominent Meghalaya pressure group, has appealed to Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar to reconsider the manual process required for updating Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs) at District Transport Offices (DTOs). In a letter sent via Commissioner & Secretary Sanjay Goyal, HITO referenced a recent public notice enforcing Rule 115(2) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. The rule mandates vehicle owners to carry valid PUCCs and update them manually at DTOs, with non-compliance leading to automatic blocking of services such as tax payments, permit renewals, and registration certificates. After consultations with stakeholders, HITO criticized the manual update system as resource-intensive and burdensome for vehicle owners. The group proposed a digital solution where Pollution Testing Stations (PTS) directly upload PUCC data into the government’s database. Highlighting Assam’s existing model—where PUCC data is uploaded digitally and accessible via platforms like the VAHAN app—HITO urged Meghalaya to adopt a similar system. The organization stated that digitization would improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and help curb corruption. HITO also expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government in refining regulations and supporting the implementation of the digital process.