Delhi Government to Clear Rs 140 Crore in Pending Electric Vehicle Subsidy Dues After High Court Ruling

The Delhi government plans to clear Rs 140 crore in pending electric vehicle subsidies following a High Court order. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed that the department will verify applications and create a portal to expedite payments.

The Delhi government is set to address the backlog of electric vehicle (EV) subsidy dues amounting to approximately Rs 140 crore. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed that the department will verify all subsidy applications to clear the pending dues, which have accumulated over two years. This action follows a directive from the Delhi High Court.

On September 3, the Delhi High Court instructed the government to expedite the disbursement of promised subsidies for electric vehicle purchases. The court emphasized that procedural delays should not hinder payments. Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhayaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela highlighted that the absence of a timeline in the 2020 Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy cannot justify delays.

Electric Vehicle Policy and Subsidy Disbursement

Officials assured compliance with the court's order and have started identifying eligible beneficiaries. A senior official attributed the delay to the arrest of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last year in an excise policy case, which stalled cabinet meetings and delayed policy extensions.

The EV Policy, launched in August 2020 during the previous AAP government's tenure, has benefited over 2.19 lakh vehicles with tax exemptions. This includes 1.09 lakh two-wheelers and 83,724 three-wheelers. The government had disbursed Rs 177 crore in incentives until 2023.

Future Plans for Electric Vehicle Policy

The current Electric Vehicle Policy has been extended until March 31, 2026, as a new policy draft undergoes public consultation. The policy had lapsed in August 2023 but has been extended multiple times since then. Last month, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a committee led by Minister Ashish Sood to formulate Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0.

An official mentioned that a portal is being developed to facilitate clearing the pending dues. This step is part of efforts to streamline processes and ensure timely subsidy disbursements in the future.

The government's commitment to resolving these issues reflects its dedication to promoting electric vehicles and supporting consumers who have invested in cleaner transportation options.

With inputs from PTI