Uttarakhand Waives Tax on EVs and CNG Vehicles

The Uttarakhand Cabinet has cleared 12 proposals, including four related to development works in Badrinath and a significant decision to extend tax exemptions to CNG and electric vehicles. Secretary Shailesh Bagauli announced that approval has been granted for constructing Sudarshan Chakra and Sheshnetra Lotus Wall artworks at key Badrinath sites such as the Arrival Plaza and Lakefront. A sculpture titled 'Tree and River' will also be installed at Badrinarayan Chowk.

In a major green initiative, the government has amended the Motor Vehicle Taxation Act, 2003, expanding the scope of tax exemptions provided under the January 2, 2019 notification. Previously, exemptions were limited to battery, solar-powered, and CNG vehicles, but now plug-in hybrid and strong hybrid electric vehicles have also been included. The aim is to promote eco-friendly vehicles and reduce pollution in the state.

To streamline Group-C recruitment processes, the Cabinet approved the creation of 15 new positions—one regular and 14 outsourced—under the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission. Additionally, the director of the Forensic Science Laboratory will now serve as the department head, and 12 new positions will be added to the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, established in 2011.

The Cabinet also approved gratuity benefits for employees under the National Pension Scheme (NPS), following central government guidelines. Benefits for dependents of deceased environmental workers, as per the 1974 rules, have also been sanctioned. Under the Clean Mobility Transition Policy 2024, incentive disbursements will now be processed through an SNA account instead of an escrow account, due to objections raised by banks.