What is the new vehicle scrappage policy in India?
The Scrappage Policy for government vehicles was approved in January 2021. As per this approval, vehicles belonging to the Centre as well as State Government, that are more than 15 years old, shall be scrapped. Such a policy will come into effect.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy in 2021 and said it will help phase out unfit and polluting vehicles and also promote a circular economy.
Last year, Union minister Nitin Gadkari had said he aims to develop at least one automobile scrapping facility within 150 kilometers of each city center while asserting that the country has the potential to become a vehicle scrapping hub of the entire South Asian region.
From April 1, all vehicles owned by central and state governments, including buses owned by transport corporations and public sector undertakings, that are older than 15 years will be de-registered and scrapped, according to a notification by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry.
What is a government vehicle?
A vehicle owned by, on loan to, leased, or rented by the government.
Who can use Govt of India on the vehicles?
Apart from them, there are certain people like 1) Chief justice and other judges of various high courts of India; 2) Cabinet ministers of a state; 3) Other state ministers; 4) Speaker and deputy speaker of legislative assemblies of different states; 5) Chairman or deputy chairperson of the council of states
“Disposal of such vehicles shall, after the expiry of the fifteen years from the date of the initial registration of the vehicle, (should) be ensured through the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility set up by the Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021,” it said.
Announced in the Union Budget 2021-22, the policy provides for fitness tests after 20 years for personal vehicles, while commercial vehicles will require it after 15 years