New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled ambitious plans to propel India towards a greener future, with a focus on slashing Goods and Services Tax (GST) on hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, he has vowed to eliminate over 36 crore petrol and diesel vehicles from the country.
Here’s What Nitin Gadkari Said:
When asked if it is possible to get rid of petrol and diesel cars from India Gadkari said, “One hundred per cent.”
“It is difficult but not impossible. This is my vision,” Gadkari added.
The Minister highlighted that India’s expenditure on fuel imports amounts to ₹16 lakh crore. He emphasized that redirecting this substantial sum towards initiatives benefiting farmers and rural areas could significantly enhance livelihoods and generate employment opportunities for the youth.
However, he refrained from specifying a timeline for achieving this ambitious goal. Gadkari said, “I cannot give you a date and year for this transformation to take place as it is very difficult. This is difficult but not impossible.”
Gadkari also mentioned proposals to reduce GST on hybrid vehicles to five per cent and on flex engines to 12 per cent. These proposals have been forwarded to the Finance Ministry for consideration. The Minister expressed his strong conviction in the potential of biofuels to eliminate the need for fuel imports, underscoring his belief in their promotion as a viable solution.
The Union minister expressed strong confidence in the inevitable rise of alternative and biofuels, citing the rapid adoption of electric vehicles as a precursor to this upcoming era. Gadkari highlighted that the major players in the automotive industry like Bajaj, TVS, and Hero have strategic plans to produce motorcycles equipped with flex engines.
“I roam around in a car that runs on hydrogen. You can see electric cars in every other household. People who used to say this was impossible, have changed their views now and started believing in what I have been saying for the last 20 years,” the union minister said.
