The government’s decision to extend the EV adoption deadline for its own offices has sparked concerns among citizens, who feel that they are being unfairly burdened with higher fees without receiving any corresponding benefits or support.
Under the 2021 EV policy directive, the government had stipulated that starting from January 1, 2022, all vehicles purchased by government and semi-government agencies and local bodies must be electric. However, government officials who frequently travel long distances as part of their work were granted an exemption until March 31, 2023. With the expiration of this period, the proposal to extend the deadline was under government consideration. Recently, a new circular has been issued, further extending the deadline until March 31, 2025.
In accordance with the new policy, the government has increased the re-registration fee for old two-wheelers from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,000. The car fee has been raised from Rs. 600 to Rs. 5,000. Similarly, the fitness renewal fee for autorickshaws has seen an increase from Rs. 600 to Rs. 3,500, and for cars, it has been raised from Rs. 600 to Rs. 7,500.
Furthermore, the fitness renewal fee for light goods vehicles has been revised from Rs. 600 to Rs. 10,000; for heavy goods vehicles, it has increased from Rs. 800 to Rs. 12,500. Vehicle owners are now questioning why the common people are not being granted the same relief that the government provided to its own departments.
As pollution continues to be a pressing issue, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by the public regarding this policy disparity.