Central Government Approves 9,585 Crore Scheme to Replace BS-4 Vehicles and Reduce Pollution in Delhi NCR The central cabinet has approved a 9,585 crore scheme to address pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The initiative mandates the scrapping of BS-III and older trucks and buses while incentivizing the purchase of BS-VI or electric vehicles (EVs). The plan aims to reduce vehicular emissions, which have long been a major contributor to air pollution in the region. Under the scheme, owners of BS-III and older vehicles must scrap their vehicles or sell them outside the NCR. Those opting to upgrade to BS-VI or EVs will receive tax exemptions, subsidies, and reduced loan interest rates. The government has allocated 5,041 crore for subsidies and tax benefits, with additional support from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana state governments. The program targets the removal of 1.91 lakh BS-III and older trucks and 16,329 older buses from the NCR. Vehicles registered in the region will be required to comply with the new standards, with owners needing to register upgraded BS-VI or EVs. The scheme also includes a dual benefit for EV and BS-VI vehicle buyers, combining state and central incentives. Delhi’s existing EV policy, which offers up to 1 lakh rupees in subsidies and 100% tax exemptions on registration and road taxes, will be complemented by the central government’s financial support. The central scheme’s tax benefits will further reduce the cost of purchasing cleaner vehicles. The initiative is part of broader efforts to combat pollution, with the central government emphasizing the need to phase out older, polluting vehicles. The plan is expected to be implemented by the end of June 2026, with phased enforcement to ensure compliance.#central_government #delhi_ncr #bs_vi #bs_iii #evs
Maharashtra Govt Doubles Green Tax on 15-Year-Old Vehicles; New Rates Effective Immediately The Maharashtra government has implemented significant changes to the Green Tax structure for older vehicles, effectively doubling the levy in several categories. The revised provisions, notified in the official gazette following the Governor’s assent on April 6, aim to discourage the continued use of aging, polluting vehicles and promote cleaner alternatives. The amendments to the Motor Vehicles Tax Act apply to non-transport vehicles that have completed 15 years since their first registration, requiring them to pay higher lump-sum Green Taxes for every subsequent five-year renewal period. Under the new framework, tax rates vary based on vehicle type, fuel, and emission standards. For two-wheelers, vehicles compliant with BS-VI and higher emission norms will now be taxed Rs 2,000, while those under BS-IV and older standards will face a charge of Rs 4,000. Petrol-driven four-wheelers and other non-two-wheelers will be taxed Rs 3,000 for BS-VI models and Rs 6,000 for older variants. Diesel vehicles, which are subject to stricter regulations, will pay Rs 3,500 for BS-VI models and Rs 7,000 for BS-IV and below variants for every five-year renewal period after completing 15 years. The revised structure effectively doubles the existing Green Tax in many segments, particularly impacting older and more polluting vehicles. Officials emphasized that the policy is designed to incentivize vehicle owners to transition to cleaner technologies, aligning with the state’s broader environmental goals. Additionally, the government introduced a cap on taxes applicable to cranes, limiting the tax to a maximum of Rs 30 lakh. The amendments take effect immediately, affecting vehicle owners whose registrations cross the 15-year threshold.#maharashtra_govt #green_tax #motor_vehicles_tax_act #bs_vi #bs_iv
