UP govt exempts Electric Vehicle buyers from tax and registration fees

Current Context: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to exempt road tax and registration fees on purchase of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for three years from October 14, 2022 to October 13, 2025.The decision is part of the state's EV policy announced last October, which aims to promote electric mobility and reduce air pollution.

• The policy also offers incentives such as subsidies, interest-free loans, free parking, toll waivers and preferential land allotment for EV manufacturers and charging stations.
• The state government expects to create over one lakh jobs and attract investments worth Rs 40,000 crore in the EV sector by 2025.
• The decision was announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday, March 5, 2023.
• The exemption will apply to all types of EVs, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and buses.
• The state government hopes that this move will encourage more people to switch to EVs and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
• The state government also plans to set up a dedicated EV cell under its transport department to monitor and implement the EV policy.

Question:

Q.1 For how long will the UP government exempt road tax and registration fees on purchase of Electric Vehicles (EVs)? 

a. One year 

b. Two years 

c. Three years 

d. Four years