Govt’s vehicle scrappage policy promises plenty

Close to two months after Union finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Vehicle Scrappage policy, the government has now spelt out the broad framework of the policy. Making a suo moto statement in parliament, the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH),  Nitin Gadkari, said his ministry would be introducing the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program or “Vehicle Scrappage Policy”  which is aimed at creating an ecosystem for phasing out  unfit and polluting Vehicles. The objectives of the policy, Gadkari said are aimed at reducing the number of old and defective vehicles, cutting vehicular air pollution that will enable India to fulfil its climate commitments, improving road and vehicular safety, achieving better fuel efficiency, and formalising an existing and informal vehicle scrapping industry. Gadkari’s statement in parliament indicated that a draft will be put out to solicit suggestions of the public.  It will also enhance availability of low-cost raw materials for automotive, steel and electronics industry, the statement said. The ecosystem is expected to attract additional investments of around INR 10,000 crore and 35,000 job opportunities.  It has been announced that the criteria for a vehicle to be scrapped is primarily based on the fitness of vehicles through the Automated Fitness Centres in case of