Finance
The Odisha government decreased the penalty for violations of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) guidelines on Wednesday, bringing respite to vehicle owners while ensuring that motor vehicle and road safety rules will be strictly enforced.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena stated that the penalty, which had been set at Rs 10,000 since 2019, has now been significantly reduced under the new rules. The new punishment will vary depending on the type of vehicle and whether the infringement is committed for the first time or is a repeat offense.
For motorbikes, bikes, and three-wheelers used for passenger or goods transportation, the penalty has been established at Rs 1,000 for the first violation and Rs 2,000 for the second or subsequent violation.
Motor cabs, vehicles, and jeeps will face a penalty of Rs 2,000 for the first infraction and Rs 5,000 for successive offenses. The penalty for tractors and trailers will be Rs 2,000 for the first infraction and Rs 5,000 for each subsequent violation.
For other cars that do not fall into these categories, the penalty will be Rs 3,000 for the first infringement and Rs 6,000 for the second or subsequent infraction.
The minister stated that the decision was made in response to complaints raised by vehicle owners, various associations, and the media about the stringent enforcement of PUCC standards, the availability of pollution testing facilities, and the fines for violations.
“Our government is a government of the people, and we have never ignored the concerns and problems of the people,” Jena said.
He said there had been demands from the public to reduce the penalty for PUCC-related violations. While some had criticised the government over the issue, the Rs 10,000 penalty had actually been prescribed by the then state government in 2019, he said.
“Nevertheless, respecting the demands and concerns of the public, our government has taken a major decision,” Jena said.
New PUCC penalty structure
Jena stated that the government expected vehicle owners to follow road safety laws and keep all mandatory documents up to date, including the PUCC and vehicle insurance.
Following public demands, the government temporarily waived the requirement to examine necessary vehicle documentation. According to the government’s notification, the relaxation was in effect until April 1. Even after that, the minister stated that pollution and insurance enforcement had not been significantly expanded.
However, the government has now asked departmental authorities to step up enforcement and inspections to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act.
“Keeping all documents updated as required under the Motor Vehicles Act is mandatory and falls within the purview of the law. However, those who deliberately violate the rules must face strict enforcement in the interest of ensuring the safety of all road users,” Jena said.
The minister also stated that enforcement of traffic safety infractions uncovered using e-Detection would continue.
Under the current regulation, if an e-challan is unpaid for more than 90 days, the vehicle may be ineligible for a Pollution Under Control Certificate. This rule would likewise be enforced, he stated.
Jena urged car owners and drivers to follow the Motor Vehicles Act and keep all required documentation up to date.
“Please do not violate road safety rules. Always comply with the Motor Vehicles Act and keep all required vehicle documents up to date,” he said.
“Enforcement is undertaken only against those who violate the rules,” the minister added.
