If you own vehicles manufactured before 2008, it is crucial that you read this article carefully. The Government of Goa recently notified the Vehicle Scrapping Policy of Goa 2023 with the objective of removing polluting and unfit vehicles from Goan roads.
All vehicles in service for over 15 years to be scrapped
Under this policy, all vehicles that have been in service for over 15 years will be scrapped. Out of the 15 lakh vehicles registered in Goa as of March 31, 2023, approximately 2.10 lakh vehicles have already exceeded the 15-year mark. This means that these 2.10 lakh vehicles will soon be scrapped in Goa. Additionally, over the next five years, another 3 lakh vehicles are expected to reach the 15-year age limit, primarily comprising transport vehicles such as buses and trucks.
Government vehicles would be the first to undergo scrapping
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho recently announced that government vehicles would be the first to undergo scrapping in the state. This includes around 600 government vehicles, with a significant number being Kadamba buses. As a result, owners of private vehicles can breathe a sigh of relief for a couple of years. These government vehicles have already been taken off the road since last March.
Critical component: establishment of registered vehicle scrapping facilities
One of the critical components of the vehicle scrapping policy is the establishment of registered vehicle scrapping facilities. These facilities will dismantle and recycle the scrapped vehicles. The Goa government is currently searching for an agency to set up this facility in the state and has invited tenders for this purpose. The actual implementation of the vehicle scrapping policy will commence only after the facility is set up, which may take one or two years considering the response.
Owners of vehicles that have crossed the 15-year service mark will have to deposit their vehicles at the designated facility and receive a certificate of deposit as proof of transfer of ownership. After the scrapping of government vehicles, the first batch of vehicles to be scrapped will be transport vehicles such as buses, trucks, and mining lorries. Commercial vehicles like taxis will follow, and private two-wheelers and cars will be the last to undergo scrapping.
Sparingly used Mining trucks also to face scrapping
One unfortunate consequence of the policy is that mining trucks, which have seen limited use over the last 15 years due to mining bans, will be scrapped without significant work done. There are approximately 18,000 mining trucks in the state, and a majority of these trucks have already exceeded the 15-year age limit.
Objective to eliminate polluting and unfit vehicles
The primary objective of this vehicle scrapping policy, implemented by the central government, is to eliminate polluting and unfit vehicles, providing a pollution-free and accident-free environment for commuters. The scrapped vehicles will be recycled, resulting in resource conservation. Additionally, the policy is expected to create a demand for new vehicles which are fuel efficient, boosting the economy and generating employment opportunities.
Financial burden placed on common citizen cause of concern
While the lofty objectives of this vehicle scrapping policy are commendable, concerns have been raised by various stakeholders in the state. Particularly, the financial burden placed on common individuals, especially those whose livelihood depends on these vehicles, such as taxi and truck owners, is a cause for opposition. As per the policy, the government will provide a 25 percent rebate on road tax when purchasing new vehicles, and some states have also offered discounts on new vehicles. However, the government needs to introduce schemes to alleviate the financial burden on the common people.
Vehicle scrapping policy here to stay
Despite opposition, the vehicle scrapping policy is here to stay, and all 15-year-old vehicles will eventually go through the scrapping process in a phased manner. The focus now shifts to how quickly the government can establish the vehicle scrapping facility in the state and dismantle the 700 government vehicles. This process will undoubtedly take at least one or two years, during which people can breathe a little easier.
