Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The Goa government made a significant decision by requiring all government vehicles to be electric, with a Rs 30 lakh price limit. This announcement, made on World Environment Day, does not apply to utility or emergency vehicles.
The Department of Finance (Expenditure) released an Office Memorandum on Wednesday that modifies one of the guidelines to require the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) for government use, while still referring to the department’s standing instructions regarding the purchase of EVs by corporations, government departments, and autonomous bodies.
“Any proposal for the purchase of new vehicles shall be made against vehicles that have been condemned and disposed of in order to discourage any new additions to the existing fleet of vehicles.” A certificate from the relevant department head attesting to the fact that no off-road vehicles exist that need to be condemned and disposed of must be included with the proposal for the purchase of new cars, according to the regulations.
The maximum price for an electric vehicle (EV) is Rs 30 lakh for Chief Secretaries and Chairpersons of government-owned corporations and autonomous bodies, and Rs 25 lakh for Secretaries to the Government and Vice-Chairpersons of government-owned corporations and autonomous bodies.
The purchase of these vehicles is limited to Rs 20 lakh for heads of departments and managing directors of government-owned corporations and autonomous bodies. For other official use, the maximum amount for any EV is Rs 15 lakh, and the price cap for e-bikes falls under the last category at Rs 2 lakh.
Additionally, according to the OM, before submitting the proposal for financial approval, the concerned department should compare the proposed EV model/variant’s price to the local ex-showroom and GeM rate and recommend a lower price.
Emergency response vehicles, such as ambulances and fire tenders, as well as other utility vehicles required by departments for their operation and maintenance, are exempt from the requirement of mandatory purchase.
