Mumbai, March 1: The Maharashtra government has dismissed allegations raised by the Opposition regarding high fees for high-security registration plates (HSRPs), asserting that the charges are in line with rates in other states.
In an official statement released late Friday, the government clarified that the tendering process for HSRPs was conducted with due diligence, and the pricing was approved by a high-powered committee.
The controversy escalated after opposition parties, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), demanded an investigation into the awarding of contracts for HSRPs. In separate letters to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal and NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil accused the government of imposing excessive charges on vehicle owners.
HSRPs, which come with enhanced security features, have been mandated for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. The government has extended the deadline for compliance to April 30.
According to the government's statement, the Transport Commissioner’s Office determined the fees based on the committee-approved rates. The charges include both the cost of the number plates and the fitment expenses.
Comparing rates with other states, the government highlighted that HSRP prices (excluding GST) range between ₹420-₹480 for two-wheelers, ₹450-₹550 for three-wheelers, and ₹690-₹800 for four-wheelers and heavy vehicles. In Maharashtra, the rates are ₹450 for two-wheelers, ₹500 for three-wheelers, and ₹745 for four-wheelers and heavy vehicles.
Despite the government's justification, opposition parties continue to press for a detailed probe into the contracts awarded for HSRPs, alleging irregularities in the pricing mechanism.
The issue is likely to gain further traction in the political landscape as the deadline for HSRP compliance approaches.