Motor Vehicle Department’s Collection of Crores as User Fee

Motor Vehicles Department Collects Crores as User Fee

Kottayam – The Motor Vehicle Department in Kottayam has come under scrutiny for collecting a staggering amount of 656.11 crores from the public over the past 16 years in the name of service charge. The department has justified this collection by claiming that the government lacks the funds to computerize its offices. Surprisingly, despite collecting such a substantial amount, the computerization process remains incomplete, leading to questions about the continued collection of the service charge.

The user fee, also known as the service charge, is collected in addition to the regular service fee of the motor vehicle department. The department has cited the financial burden of office computerization and online services as the reason for collecting the user fee. An order was issued on April 4, 2007, and the collection began on April 16 of the same year. In the first financial year, a total of 25.76 crores was collected, and computerization was completed in the following year.

In subsequent years, efforts were made to replace broken computers and printers in the offices. To ensure their maintenance, one employee from CDT (Computerization and Data Transfer) was appointed in each office, with the government providing monthly funds for this purpose. Despite these measures, the government has not provided a satisfactory explanation for the continued collection of the service charge.

The highest collection under the service charge was recorded in the financial year 2015-16, with a total of 166 crores collected. The amount collected under the service charge by the Department of Motor Vehicles in each financial year is as follows:

– 2007-08: 25,76,36,254
– 2008-09: 25,27,87,075
– 2009-10: 29,41,76,619
– 2010-11: 32,40,56,647
– 2011-12: 30,92,77,122
– 2012-13: 32,69,53,155
– 2013-14: 22,46,76,340
– 2014-15: 6,48,63,429
– 2015-16: 166 crores
– 2016-17: 43,26,68,960
– 2017-18: 41,71,54,768
– 2018-19: 41,90,15,151
– 2019-20: 40,32,75,095
– 2020-21: 30,26,08,311
– 2021-22: 38,24,64,858
– 2022-23: 48,95,24,748

The Motor Vehicle Department’s collection of crores as a user fee has raised concerns among the public. Many are questioning the need for such a significant amount when computerization has already been completed, and the government is providing funds for maintenance. The department must address these concerns and provide transparency regarding the utilization of the collected funds.

In conclusion, the Motor Vehicle Department’s continuous collection of the service charge despite the completion of computerization and the availability of maintenance funds raises questions about the department’s financial practices. The public deserves clarity and accountability regarding the utilization of the collected funds.

How does the Motor Vehicle Department in Kottayam plan to address the public concerns regarding the incomplete computerization process and the substantial sum of money collected through the user fee

16 years since the collection of the user fee began, the Motor Vehicle Department in Kottayam has amassed a staggering amount of 656.11 crores. This has raised concerns and questions about the department’s justification for continuing the collection.

The department has defended this practice by stating that the government lacks the necessary funds to fully computerize its offices. However, despite collecting such a substantial amount, the computerization process remains incomplete. This discrepancy has generated skepticism among the public.

The user fee, also known as the service charge, is collected in addition to the regular service fee of the motor vehicle department. The department claims that the financial burden of office computerization and online services justifies the collection of this fee. The collection was initiated on April 16, 2007, following an order issued on April 4.

The persisting incomplete computerization process and the vast amount collected over the years have led to heightened scrutiny of the Motor Vehicle Department’s practices. It is essential for the department to provide transparent explanations for the continued collection of the service charge, as the public seeks clarity on how this substantial sum of money is being utilized.