PANAJI
In line with the Centre’s government’s vehicle scrapping policy, the Government of Goa on Friday notified the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Policy of Goa, 2023, providing comprehensive guidelines for the scrapping of old and unfit vehicles in both -- transport and non-transport categories.
Initially, 1.92 lakh vehicles over 15 years old -- eligible for scrapping -- will come under its ambit with the policy to be enforced for five years, in the first phase.
As per the data of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 1.2 crore End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) pan-India are estimated to be without valid Registration Certificates and Fitness Certificates. Out of these, 1.92 lakh approx vehicles in Goa are fit for scrapping.
Over the course of the next five years, additional 3.5 lakh vehicles registered in Goa will cross the age of 15 and a substantial number of these ELVs will be from the commercial category.
“…Goa has formulated the Policy-2023 with objectives to reduce pollution by scrapping old and unfit vehicles; improve road, passenger and vehicular safety, boost auto sector and generate employment, improve fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance cost for vehicle owners, formalize the current informal vehicle scrappage industry in Goa, boost availability of low-cost raw materials for automotive, steel and electronic industry, promote recycling of vehicle scrap in a scientific manner as well as circular economy in an eco-friendly manner,” reads the notification by Transport Department.
The policy also includes incentives for individuals who voluntarily submit their old vehicles to the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) as the government maintained that the policy is a “mutual win-win for all the stakeholders.”
The central rules also speak about setting up modern vehicle scrapping facilities to recycle vehicles in an environment-friendly manner. “The RVSF policy will help in increasing automobile sales, provide employment, reduce import cost, generate incremental GST revenue and help to solve the global shortage of semi-conductor chips,” it said.
Considering the increasing level of vehicular pollution by old vehicles, the State has already imposed a “Green Tax” as per Section 3(A) of Goa Daman and Diu Motor Vehicles Tax Act, 1974 for the renewal of registration of non-transport vehicles and transport vehicles above 15 years.
The State government while promoting the use of battery-operated vehicles has exempted the registration fees, motor vehicle tax and permit.
