Government vehicles older than 15 years to be scrapped by December 31, 2022

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The state government has set a target of rendering into scrap by December 31 this year all vehicles more than 15 years old as on April 1, 2022, which are allotted to various government departments, PSUs, autonomous councils, societies etc.

Such vehicles will be scientifically disposed off under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, Assam, 2022 which came into effect from July 18 last and will be valid for five years. Owners of private vehicles which are more than15 years old may also avail the scrapping facility, subject to the fitness of the vehicles concerned. Moreover, owners who voluntarily come forward to give their private vehicles for scrapping will be given some motor-vehicle tax concessions when they subsequently buy a new vehicle.

Sources in the Transport Department said that out of the total number of registered vehicles in Assam, around 10 lakh vehicles have crossed their 'end-of-life' period, which is 15 years. In the next five years, another 9 lakh vehicles will also reach the end-of-life period, the sources said, adding that most of these vehicles are commercial vehicles.

They said that scientific recycling of old vehicles was not possible earlier in Assam due to the absence of a specific scrapping policy. There is only one scientific vehicle-scrapping facility in the state at present, which is located at Rangia. However, more such facilities will be set up in accordance with the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, Assam, 2022. The sources said that individuals, NGOs, firms, companies etc., can apply for setting up such scrapping facilities.

The objectives of the scrapping policy include reducing pollution, improving fuel efficiency, improving road safety and promoting recycling of vehicle scrap in a scientific manner.

The sources further informed that as per the Electric Vehicle Policy of Assam, all government vehicles will be converted to electric vehicles by 2030. After 2025, only electric vehicles will be purchased for use by the state government, they said.

People who give their private vehicles, which are unfit to ply on the road, for scrapping will get market value for the scrap and a 'certificate of deposit'. The owner will get 25 per cent concession in the Motor Vehicle Tax while registering a new vehicle against submission of the 'certificate of deposit' in case of non-commercial vehicles and 15 per cent concession in case of commercial transport vehicles. The owners who will voluntarily offer their vehicles for scrapping will get a tax-waiver up to 70 per cent against their outstanding or arrear dues, if any, the sources added.

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