Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot held a meeting with representatives of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to address industry challenges and explore solutions. The discussions focused on critical issues, including delays in vehicle registration, non-compliance at multi-brand outlets, and backlogs in High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) requests. Gahlot emphasised the importance of timely vehicle registration and strict adherence to compliance standards to improve the experience for vehicle owners in the city. “Timely delivery of registration certificates and ensuring compliance are essential for a smooth process. The Delhi government is committed to streamlining these operations, and any non-compliance will be dealt with strictly,” said Gahlot. The minister raised concerns over delays in issuing Registration Certificates (RCs) despite dealers having self-registration facilities. He instructed the Transport Department to take strict action against non-compliant dealers, warning that trade certificates could be revoked for those disregarding timelines. Surprise inspections were also discussed as a measure to ensure compliance. Since the launch of dealer-based self-registration in March 2021, 263 authorised dealers in Delhi have printed 1.51 million RCs by June 2024. Annual RC issuance has increased from 307,000 in 2021 to 496,000 in 2023, with 2.34 lakh issued in the first half of 2024 alone. Gahlot also directed the Transport Department to explore replacing physical RCs with digital versions to enhance convenience and efficiency. Additionally, the FADA raised concerns about multi-brand outlets selling vehicles without valid trade certificates or permissions, prompting the minister to call for stricter oversight. (The Statesman)