A CAG report has exposed serious irregularities in the transport sector of Northeast India, revealing that around 16,000 vehicles are registered on the same chassis and engine number across seven states.
Recent revelations from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India have uncovered significant irregularities in the transport sector of Northeast India. According to the CAG's report, approximately 16,000 vehicles across seven northeastern states have been found registered under the same chassis and engine number. This alarming finding raises serious questions about the operational integrity of state transport systems and suggests widespread malpractice within the registration practices.
The details of the CAG report indicate that 12,112 of these vehicles—around 76 percent—were re-registered in Assam without a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC), contributing to the reported irregularities. The investigation, which involved scrutiny of the VAHAN database, highlights systemic failures in the oversight of vehicle registrations, pushing the need for stricter regulations and accountability in the process to prevent further abuse.
Furthermore, the CAG report pointed out a stark contrast between the number of vehicles registered and the permits issued. Between 2019 and 2024, about 1.19 lakh vehicles were registered, yet only 26,105 transport vehicle permits were granted, amounting to just 21.87 percent of registered vehicles receiving valid permits. This discrepancy indicates a lapse in regulation and enforcement, potentially leading to revenue loss for the state and highlighting the need for urgent reforms in the transport regulatory framework.
