In response to the central government’s exemption of electric autorickshaws from the need for permits under Section 66(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, the Karnataka state government is now considering changes to this policy. Plans are being made to revoke the exemption and instead issue permits for electric autorickshaws at no cost.
The move comes amid strong opposition from associations representing non-electric autorickshaw drivers, who have criticized the lack of permit requirements for electric vehicles. MLC Ivan D’Souza shared details from Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who confirmed that the state government intends to issue free permits for electric autorickshaws.
D’Souza explained that under the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, and CNG must obtain permits, while the central government’s 2018 notification exempts battery and electric autorickshaws from this rule. Consequently, all electric autorickshaws registered in Karnataka are currently permitted to operate statewide without needing permits.
The Minister also revealed that the government is exploring the possibility of introducing regulations similar to those in Tamil Nadu and Delhi, which would govern battery-operated autorickshaws in Karnataka.
D’Souza emphasized that while free permits are welcome, the state should also work on uniform regulations for all types of autorickshaws to ensure fairness and eliminate disparities between electric and non-electric vehicles. Autorickshaw drivers have previously staged protests against the policy favoring electric vehicles.
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