Green tax breather for vintage cars, taxis?

Reacting to voices being raised against the ‘Green Tax’, transport commissioner Dilip Jadhav has said that the motor vehicles department will consider exemptions being demanded by two interest groups — the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) and the Mumbai Taximen’s Union.

The VCCCI had demanded that vintage cars be exempted from paying Green Tax while the taximen’s union had sought a partial refund in case the taxi driver decided to scrap his old taxi before the five-year period for which the “Green Tax” is charged.

Speaking with DNA, transport commissioner Dilip Jadhav said, “Both proposals are under consideration. But the final decision will be taken only after the new administration is in place.”

An ordinance regarding the implementation of the tax was issued on October 15 and Regional Transport Offices in the state had begun charging the tax soon after. The official reason given by the administration for its introduction is to disincentivise old vehicles as they add to pollution.

But critics saw the new tax as the motor vehicle department’s desperate attempt to increase its revenue collection. Till date, the motor vehicles department seemed unyielding to the criticism, but the new receptiveness has taken critics by surprise. Taxi union leader Anthony Quadros said, “The taximen are hopeful of their demand being accepted.”