Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday reduced the penalty for violations related to Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) norms, providing relief to vehicle owners while making it clear that enforcement of motor vehicle and road safety rules will continue.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said the penalty, which had been fixed at Rs 10,000 since 2019, has now been substantially reduced under the revised rules. The new penalty will depend on the category of vehicle and whether the violation is committed for the first time or is a repeat offence.
For motorcycles and bikes, as well as three-wheelers used for passenger or goods transport, the penalty has been fixed at Rs 1,000 for the first violation and Rs 2,000 for the second or subsequent violation.
Motor cabs and motor cars or jeeps will attract a penalty of Rs 2,000 for the first violation and Rs 5,000 for subsequent violations. For tractors and trailers, the penalty will also be Rs 2,000 for the first violation and Rs 5,000 for subsequent violations.
For other vehicles not covered under these categories, the penalty will be Rs 3,000 for the first violation and Rs 6,000 for the second or subsequent violation.
The minister said the decision was taken after concerns were raised by vehicle owners, various associations and the media over strict enforcement of PUCC regulations, the availability of pollution testing centres and the penalties prescribed 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 said the government expected vehicle owners to comply with road safety rules and keep all mandatory documents updated, including PUCC and vehicle insurance.
The government had earlier relaxed the checking of essential vehicle documents for a certain period following requests from the public. According to the government’s announcement, the relaxation remained in force until April 1. Even after that, enforcement relating to pollution and insurance was not expanded extensively, the minister said.
However, the government has now directed departmental officers to intensify enforcement and checking to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles 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 said enforcement against road safety violations detected through e-Detection would continue.
Under the existing provision, if an e-challan remains unpaid for more than 90 days, the vehicle may not be eligible for a Pollution Under Control Certificate. This provision will also be enforced, he said.
Jena appealed to vehicle owners and drivers to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act and keep all necessary documents 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.
