Vehicle scrap policy essential for state: Khashim Vashum
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 10 2022: Even as the Central government had issued gazette notification and started implementing the Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021, most of the states of the country are yet to have scrapping policy for old vehicles but the need for such a policy arise in the state for the sake of protecting the environment and ensur ing safety, stated transport minister Khashim Vashum.

In an exclusive interview, Khashim Vashum told The People's Chronicle that the Central government had already issued directive to all the states for taking up steps to scrap vehicles, which are more than 15 years old, by framing a policy under Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021.However, no states except Haryana, Union Territory of Delhi and Assam have taken up steps to frame such a policy, he said.

Manipur state is yet to have its own vehicle scrapping policy as of now but the department concerned had discussed about it as per rule.

However, renewal of permit for more than 15 years old vehicles will not be allowed though extension of permit for five years according to fitness of the vehicles is being allowed, the minister explained.

According to Khashim Vashum, the state now necessitates a vehicle scrapping policy in view increasing number of second-hand vehicles brought from other states, most of which are approaching 15 years.

This is for the sake of environment safety.

As part of government's objective to keep the surrounding of Imphal city neat and clean, encouragement is being given to purchase electric vehicles under the Manipur Electric Mobility Policy, 2022 .

Under the policy, first 1000 electric two-wheeler registered within five years will be given 30 percent concession in registration fee and the same concession in registration of the first 3,000 three-wheelers, e-Rickshaws and e-carts.

Under the same policy, 20 percent concession will be given in registration of the first 1,500 four-wheelers and the same concession for 30 strong hybrid four-wheelers.

The policy also provides 20 percent concession in motor vehicles tax for the first eight e-buses and no parking fee will be charged for these e-vehicles, he said.

Regarding inconvenience faced by customers who brought new vehicles from dealers in getting registration number, minister Khashim Vashum said that officials of the department have been directed to look into why 4/5 months are taken in registration of new vehicles and dealers have been intimated to submit invoice of sold vehicles within a week or 10 days at the most.

He also said that a discussion in this regard was held with district transport officers and accordingly dealers have been directed to submit invoice of sold vehicles to DTO concerned within a week or 10 days at the most and defaulter dealers will have to give explanation.

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