There is no mandatory age limit for tractor dismantle - MoRTH

The national government has published a scrappage policy for automobiles, but there is no clarity on the benefits it provides to owners.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has developed the Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernization Project or vehicle scrapping policy for the disposal of unfit and polluting transport and non-transport vehicles.

Under the policy, there is no mandatory age limit for dismantling automobiles. A vehicle can be driven on the road if it has passed an automated testing station. Although the age for cars to be checked for fitness is set at 15 years.

There has been no corresponding outpouring of concern about tractors or non-transport vehicles. However, there are rumours circulating that tractors will be discarded after ten years of service.

Tractors are non-transport vehicles and were initially registered for 15 years. Once the initial registration period of 15 years has expired, it can be renewed for five years at a time. Except for certain government vehicles indicated in the notification vide G.S.R. 29(E) dt. 16.01.2023, the Government of India has not set an age limit for any vehicle.

It is therefore stated that allegations circulating in certain areas of social media, including Twitter and WhatsApp, about the required scrapping of tractors after ten years are completely incorrect, unjustified, and devoid of any fact. Anybody circulating false information in order to cause fear will face legal consequences, according to a PIB notice.

While the national government has published a scrappage policy for automobiles, there is no clarity on the benefits it provides to owners. The state government of Uttar Pradesh has given its own version. The state government will provide a 50% tax and penalty rebate for discarding 15-year-old vehicles, and a 75% rebate for dumping 20-year-old vehicles.

According to the State Minister, the new scrapping policy would aid in pollution control.