The government has incurred a loss of Rs. 78.15 million due to the non-payment of prescribed fees for the registration of 296 motorcycles within the engine capacity category of 201 to 450, according to a statement issued by the Parliamentary Media Unit.
During a meeting of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) of Parliament, it was revealed that 3,088 motorcycles were registered without Cabinet approval and the necessary legal documents for registration.
The discussion focused on the Auditor General’s reports for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 concerning the Department of Motor Transport and its current performance.
The COPA Committee also highlighted the fraudulent issuance of vehicle registration certificates by incorporating the engine and chassis numbers of illegally imported vehicles into previously registered vehicle numbers. This malpractice resulted in a loss of Rs. 1.2 billion to the government.
Additionally, the committee examined fraudulent issuance of vehicle registration certificates for unused blank registration numbers by the Department of Motor Transport, causing a loss of Rs. 6.2 million to the government.
Moreover, a financial loss of Rs. 122 million was incurred due to the misuse of diplomatic vehicle registration numbers to register other vehicles.
The Auditor General emphasized the importance of educating the public on these issues.
Following an investigation into corruption, fraud, and irregularities within the Department of Motor Transport, the committee recommended that disciplinary action be taken against all responsible officers and that the progress of these actions be reviewed monthly.
“It was also recommended that the relevant legal authorities take necessary steps to enforce the law concerning any criminal acts that may have occurred,” the statement said.
