Patna: In a move aimed at promoting a cleaner environment, improving road safety and enhancing convenience for vehicle owners, the Bihar govt has simplified the vehicle scrapping process for old and unfit vehicles. Acting on guidelines issued by the ministry of road transport and highways, the state cabinet has approved amendments to the standard operating procedure (SOP) governing the scrapping of non-govt vehicles.The revised provisions are intended to make it easier for vehicle owners to avail the benefits under the Vehicle Scrapping Policy. Under the new framework, owners who scrap their old vehicles at authorised registered vehicle scrapping facilities (RVSFs) and obtain a certificate of deposit (COD) will be eligible for motor vehicle tax concessions when purchasing an equivalent new vehicle.Transport minister Damodar Rawat said on Thursday the govt remains committed to developing a clean, safe and modern transportation system. He said the authorised vehicle scrapping mechanism would strengthen both road safety and environmental protection. Describing the decision as an important step towards promoting green mobility and reducing pollution, Damodar emphasised the govt would ensure the entire scrapping process remains transparent, simple and citizen-friendly.Damodar said the initiative is expected to encourage vehicle owners to replace ageing vehicles with newer, safer, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly models. The certificate of deposit issued after scrapping a vehicle can be used while registering a new vehicle to claim the applicable tax benefits.According to existing provisions, owners of non-transport vehicles are eligible for a 25% concession in motor vehicle tax, while transport vehicle owners can receive a 15% concession. In addition, certain categories of medium and heavy goods and passenger vehicles manufactured under Bharat Stage-I and Bharat Stage-II emission standards are eligible for tax rebates of up to 50%.The minister said phasing out old and highly polluting vehicles would contribute significantly to reducing air pollution, conserving fuel and improving road safety. Scientific and regulated scrapping practices would also help minimise the environmental impact associated with the disposal of end-of-life vehicles, he added.
