Raipur, 24 January 2022. Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar said that in view of the existing global problem of air pollution, there is a dire need to promote the use of electric vehicles. Chhattisgarh Government is committed to provide every possible support to the mission of promoting electric vehicles and solar energy in Chhattisgarh. Transport Minister Mr. Akbar was addressing the officials regarding the formulation of Chhattisgarh State Electric Policy in the meeting of the Inter-departmental Committee held under the aegis of the Transport Department at his residence office in Shankar Nagar, Raipur today.
In his address to the meeting, Transport Minister Akbar said that as per the vision of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, we are determined to make Chhattisgarh an ‘Electric Vehicle Hub’ and a pollution-free state. Keeping in view the demand for sustainable energy and the need to reduce air pollution, the use of solar energy is being reflected upon as the main option. Most vehicles in Chhattisgarh run on petrol and diesel, and to meet this huge demand of fuel, we depend on other countries and the increasing fuel prices affect the entire economy. Under these circumstances, electric vehicles have emerged as a good alternative. For this, every possible initiative is being taken to promote use and circulation of electric vehicle in Chhattisgarh.
Regarding the formulation of Chhattisgarh State Electric Vehicle Policy, Transport Minister Shri Akbar said that it is also necessary to build electric vehicle parks and charging stations for systematic running and charging of electric vehicles in the state. Some urban bodies and companies have set up their own charging stations and there is a need to set up more such stations for the convenience of people. Solar energy is the best option for Chhattisgarh, because of the state’s geographical location, hence the solar charging stations can be set up in the state for charging the vehicles run on solar energy.
He said that Chhattisgarh Government is providing various facilities to encourage the use of electric vehicles, which includes motor vehicle tax exemption on e-carts and e-rickshaws for five years, loan for battery operated e-rickshaws which is provided by Chhattisgarh State Entrepreneur, Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation. Government of Chhattisgarh has implemented Nirman Shramik E-Rickshaw Sahayata Yojana, under which Chhattisgarh Unorganized Workers State Social Security Board provides Rs 50 thousand as a lump sum grant. Electric vehicles are also exempted from the permits under section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
On this occasion Principal Secretary Forest and Industries Mr. Manoj Pingua, Secretary Transport Mr. S. Prakash, Commissioner Transport Mr. Dipanshu Kabra, Assistant Transport Commissioner Mr. Shailabh Sahu, Leapdraft Consultant Mr. Nitin Singla and the officials of Industries, Urban Administration, Nava Raipur Development Authority, CREDA etc. and other concerned departments were also present.
