Odisha Govt warns vehicle dealers of action for overcharging

Bhubaneswar: Considering allegations of automobile dealers charging excess money from buyers of new vehicles, Odisha Government today warned the dealers of action for overcharging buyers of new vehicles.

The State Transport Authority (STA) Odisha has sought off a letter to all RTOs directing them to make sure that dealers under their respective jurisdictions refrain from such practices.

In the letter, the Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman of STA Odisha highlighted that despite instructions issued back in 2014, some dealers are found charging extra money from purchaser of new vehicles over and above the cost of vehicle and admissible taxes towards handling charges, registration expenses, charges for extended warranty etc.

Moreover, though registration fee of vehicles payable by purchaser was reduced from Rs 282 to Rs 140, recently, some dealers are not passing on this benefit to the customers and continue to charge the earlier amount of fee, the STA Chairman pointed out.

The senior transport official instructed that all RTOs convene meetings of automobile dealers under their jurisdiction, in adherence to COVID protocols, and advise them to refrain from charging excess money from the buyers.

The RTOs have also been asked to ensure that all dealers display details of payment to be made by purchaser for each category of vehicle on a notice board at a conspicuous place in their showroom clearly noticed by purchasers. It should be mentioned on the board that no extra payment need to be made other than that mentioned on the display board.

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“All charges, whether essential or optional, must be clearly mentioned on the display board. For all charges so taken, the dealer must issue a receipt. And, similar procedure shall be adopted by the dealers while issuing quotations. Besides, a dealer cannot force the purchaser to get the vehicle insured with him. The RTOs will inspect all the automobile showrooms to ensure compliance of the instructions on notice board/display board and will send a report to STA office within next two weeks,” said the order issued by the Transport Commissioner

The official further warned that appropriate action will be taken as per law against errant dealers, in case of violation of the instructions.

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