Srinagar Sep 29 (KNS): A delegation of Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA), led by its President Ajaz Shahdhar, today met the Administrative Secretary, Transport, Anvy Lavasa and discussed various issues concerning traders.

During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns about traders dealing in new two-wheelers, including scooters and motorcycles, who have made substantial investments in their businesses but are facing difficulties following a recent enforcement drive by the Transport Department.

Ajaz Shahdhar said that during the drive, traders were informed that only authorised dealers of two-wheelers were entitled to sell new vehicles. He said a large number of existing traders had invested heavily in the business and were dependent on it for their livelihoods.

“The traders have made substantial investments and have been legitimately engaged in this business. Their investments and livelihoods should not be jeopardised overnight. A clear and practical mechanism should be put in place to protect genuine traders while ensuring compliance with the rules,” Shahdhar said, adding that appropriate relaxation should be considered for genuine traders.

The delegation also raised the issue of discrepancies in Registration Certificates (RCs), Aadhaar cards and other documents, particularly during the transfer of vehicles. Shahdhar said applications are sometimes held up or rejected over minor errors, including spelling mistakes, typographical errors or other discrepancies that can otherwise be easily corrected.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He suggested that an 80:20 approach should be adopted instead of a rigid rejection-based mechanism. Under the proposed approach, applications where the information is substantially correct should be processed, while applicants should be given an opportunity to rectify minor discrepancies.

Shahdhar said that the present process can take considerable time when an applicant has to make corrections in the documents and submit the application again, causing unnecessary delays in the transfer of vehicles.

“Minor spelling mistakes, typographical errors or other rectifiable discrepancies should not become a reason to unnecessarily delay the transfer of an otherwise genuine vehicle. If the information is substantially correct, the applicant should be given an opportunity to rectify the minor error within a reasonable timeframe rather than being required to go through the entire process again,” Shahdhar said.

He said the proposed 80:20 approach would help strike a balance between regulatory compliance and ease of doing business, while reducing delays and inconvenience for genuine applicants.

Administrative Secretary Transport Anvy Lavasa listened to the issues raised by the delegation and assured the KTA representatives that their concerns would be examined and considered appropriately.(KNS)