The Sikkim Government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Goley has issued a notification mandating that government vehicles must be scrapped after 15 years from their manufacture date or initial registration. This move, announced by the Motor Vehicles Division of the Transport Department, is expected to result in the scrapping of approximately 632 vehicles.
This directive follows several amendments referenced from the Road Transport & Highways Ministry Gazette, including GSR 653(E) dated 23 September 2021 and GSR 845(E) dated 24 November 2022. It stipulates that no transactions will be permitted for government vehicles that have reached the 15-year mark.
The vehicles impacted by this order include those operated by:
- Central Government and its departments
- State/UT Governments and departments
- Local Government Institutions such as Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, or Panchayats
- State Transport Undertakings under the Road Transport Corporation Act, 1950 and the Companies Act, 2013
- Public Sector Undertakings
- Autonomous bodies of the Central and State Governments
The notification requires all relevant departments to submit documentation for vehicle scrapping through their Head of Department to the Transport Department. The Home Protocol/2014/05 dated 3 November 2014 outlines the nodal department for the condemnation and disposal process. Non-compliance with these regulations will incur penalties under sections 179, 190, and 192 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (2019).
Effective immediately, this order aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of government-operated vehicles in Sikkim.
Additionally, the Sikkim Government recently decided that luxury vehicles (Z-Series) will have a lifespan and permit validity of no more than 12 years, with no renewals permitted beyond this period. Starting 1 July 2024, an AI-based e-challan system will be implemented to enforce these rules. Any violations will result in an automatic Rs 2000 penalty, with a 24-hour grace period for deposit to avoid further fines. Luxury taxi owners with vehicles older than 12 years are advised to convert their vehicles to the private category to avoid penalties and legal issues.
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