Jharkhand News: Government Shifts to Scrapping 15-Year-Old Vehicles Instead of Auctioning

Ranchi, October 19, 2024: In a significant policy change, the government has decided that 15-year-old government vehicles will no longer be auctioned but will be scrapped. This move marks a step towards modernizing the vehicle management system and ensuring compliance with environmental norms.

The decision was initially made by the state cabinet, following which an official notification was issued by the Transport Department. The new directive will see old vehicles being dismantled using registered vehicle scrapping facilities.

Key Details of the Policy

The policy is applicable to all government vehicles that have completed 15 years of service. The decision to stop auctioning these vehicles is aimed at preventing their continued use on the roads, thus reducing environmental pollution and traffic congestion. Here are the main aspects of the new rule:

A Shift From the Traditional Practice of Auctioning

Traditionally, once a government vehicle completed 15 years, it would be auctioned to private buyers or organizations. However, these vehicles often continued to operate on the roads, contributing to environmental and safety concerns. The auction process also raised issues of transparency and accountability.

With the new scrapping policy, the government intends to regulate the disposal of old vehicles more efficiently, ensuring that they are permanently removed from the roads. This policy aligns with the Vehicle Scrappage Policy launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which encourages responsible recycling of end-of-life vehicles.

Compliance and Implementation

The implementation of this new directive will be overseen by the respective District Transport Officers (DTOs) across various states. These officers will ensure that all eligible government vehicles are deregistered and sent to authorized scrapping facilities.

Furthermore, the scrapping process will be closely monitored to prevent illegal resale or misuse of scrapped vehicles.

The Transport Department will also work on raising awareness about the benefits of vehicle scrapping among government agencies. The focus will be on the economic and environmental benefits of the new policy, encouraging compliance across departments.

Future Prospects and Sustainability

This new policy is a part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable development. The scrapping of old vehicles will lead to increased demand for new, fuel-efficient government vehicles, thus boosting the automobile industry.

Additionally, it will contribute to the circular economy by recycling valuable metals and materials from scrapped vehicles.

The government is also exploring the possibility of providing incentives for private vehicle owners to scrap old vehicles and invest in new ones. This could extend the benefits of the policy beyond government agencies, leading to widespread adoption of greener practices across the transportation sector.

Conclusion

The decision to scrap, rather than auction, 15-year-old government vehicles marks a forward-thinking approach by the government. This move ensures better compliance with environmental standards, promotes sustainability and aligns with national policies on vehicle management.

While the policy has been met with positive feedback, its successful implementation will depend on efficient coordination between the Transport Department, District Transport Officers and scrapping facilities.

By modernizing its approach to vehicle disposal, the government is setting an example for the adoption of environmentally responsible practices.

As this policy takes effect, it is expected to contribute to a cleaner, safer and more sustainable road transport ecosystem across the country.