Shillong: The Meghalaya Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2025, which was recently approved by the state cabinet, will ensure reduction in the number of unfit vehicles that will significantly lower pollution levels, protecting the health and well-being of the citizens of the state.
The policy aims to modernize Meghalaya’s vehicle fleet by creating an ecosystem by promoting sustainability, road safety, and climate preservation through scrappage incentives. It establishes a robust scrapping ecosystem with Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) to streamline fitness testing, collection, depolluting, and dismantling of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs).
Additionally, the vehicle scrapping policy promotes fleet modernization by phasing out unfit, high-emission vehicles through a scientific, eco-friendly process, reducing pollution and enhancing fuel efficiency.
Also read | BSF Nabs 5 Bangladeshis In Meghalaya Border Bust
The implementation of this policy will result in tangible benefits across multiple domains. Formalizing the scrapping and recycling industry will create employment opportunities while enhancing efficiency in vehicle disposal and recycling.
The policy said there will be 100% exemption of Stamp Duty and Registration, subject to a monetary ceiling of Rs 10,00,000 besides landbank support to the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility to set up collection centers in Meghalaya.
The policy also talked about incentives to vehicle owners where a certificate of deposit (COD) will be issued after successful scrapping of ELVs. The tradeable COD allows owners to avail incentives on new vehicle purchases.
It said owners buying BS VI-compliant or electric vehicles after scrapping their old ones receive a full waiver on RTO registration charges adding up to 25 per cent for non-transport vehicles and 15 per cent for transport vehicles, valid for 8 years (transport) and 15 years (non-transport).
Also read | Meghalaya Flags 524 Duplicate Voter IDs
On implementation of the policy, all government vehicles over 15 years old that fail fitness tests will be scrapped at RVSFs. All non-government vehicles i.e., private and commercial vehicles over 35 years old that fail fitness tests will be scrapped at RVSFs. However, this will not apply to vehicles registered as “Vintage” under Section 81A of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 (as amended)
Financial incentives are integrated to encourage compliance, with scrap values determined based on the ferrous metal content and market price. RVSFs will benefit from exemptions on stamp duty and registration fees and landbank support to facilitate operations.
(Newmai News Network)