DNSU urges Nagaland government to halt vehicle penalties until testing facilities are accessible, affordable and adequate public awareness is ensured
DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) has urged Nagaland government to suspend punitive enforcement of vehicle fitness, Pollution Under Control (PUC) and registration renewal requirements until necessary testing facilities and accessible services are in place.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the DNSU contended that the extension of compliance deadline to November 11 was insufficient without functional testing centres, affordable procedures and adequate public awareness.
While acknowledging the importance of road safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance, the union maintained that enforcement must be fair, practical and sensitive to the socio-economic and infrastructural realities of the state.
It pointed out that inadequate public transport, poor road connectivity and limited public services had made personal vehicles, taxis and goods carriers essential for commuting, accessing healthcare, transporting essential goods and sending children to school. It also said poor roads, potholes, unpaved stretches and landslides accelerated vehicle damage and increased maintenance costs.
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The union cautioned that rigid enforcement without affordable inspections, repair guidance, reasonable timelines and financial support could place further hardship on daily-wage earners, farmers, students, small traders and rural residents who depend on old or second-hand vehicles.
It called for functional fitness-testing, pollution-certification and document-verification centres in Chümoukedima, Niuland, Peren and other underserved areas, along with decentralised vehicle-documentation services and simplified renewal procedures.
The DNSU also expressed concern over the possibility of roadside harassment, extortion, arbitrary fines and unnecessary vehicle detention. It called for clear enforcement guidelines and strict accountability to prevent misuse of authority.
The union urged the government to review the notification, introduce phased compliance with reasonable timelines, and conduct public awareness campaigns before initiating punitive action. It also called on the government to prioritise road development, public transport and essential infrastructure to facilitate compliance.