PM launches vehicle scrappage policy

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy, the voluntary vehicle-fleet modernisation programme, aimed at modernising India’s “vehicular population” and removing unfit vehicles from roads in an environment-friendly and scientific manner.

Exemption from registration fee

• A certificate will be given on scrapping the old vehicle
• Whoever has this certificate will not have to pay any money for registration on the purchase of a new vehicle and get some exemption from road tax
• Will also reduce harmful impact of pollution on health

Will bring in fresh investment of Rs10K cr

The policy will promote India’s self-reliance in the auto and metal sectors. It will bring in fresh investment of over Rs10,000 cr and create thousands of jobs. — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Elaborating on its economic and environmental benefits, the PM said the policy would play a big role in the modernisation and phasing out the old, polluting vehicles in an environment-friendly manner.

“Modernity in mobility not only reduces the burden of travel and transportation, but also proves to be helpful for economic development. The goal for 21st century India to be clean, congestion-free and convenient mobility is the need of the hour,” the PM said addressing the investors’ summit in Gujarat.

The PM said while following the principle “Reuse, Recycle and Recovery”, the policy will also promote India’s self-reliance in the auto sector and in the metal sector. He said the aim was to create a viable circular economy and bring value for all stakeholders while being environmentally responsible.

“Vehicles will be scientifically tested through authorised and automated centres before scrapping,” the PM added.

Citing Alang ship recycling yard, he said the auto and metal industry was set to get a big boost with the policy, which would make scrap steel available locally. The summit is part of the exercise to invite investment for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “India currently has 10 million cars without valid fitness parameters, adding to pollution and fuel costs. Replacing old vehicles will benefit the environment and generate direct and indirect employment for about 50,000 people.”