In a groundbreaking move to ensure the integrity of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has recently mandated a significant change in the assessment process. Now, PUC centres across the nation are required to record 10-second videos during pollution level checks on vehicles, marking a pivotal step in enhancing the scrutiny of emissions.
The Need for Change
The decision to implement video documentation stems from past concerns about some PUC centres issuing certificates without conducting thorough inspections. Until this mandate, the standard procedure involved uploading a mere picture of the vehicle for certification. However, to address the rising instances of lax inspections, the government has mandated the incorporation of video evidence into the process.
Delhi Takes the Lead
Delhi, being the first state to implement this revolutionary system, has set the precedent for others to follow. Out of the 97 lakh registered vehicles in the capital, more than 45 lakh vehicles were issued PUC certificates until November 30. This swift adoption underscores the urgency and importance of the new measures in ensuring the vehicular fleet’s compliance with pollution standards.
Implementation and Technical Modifications
The National Informatics Centre has played a pivotal role in implementing the necessary modifications to the VAHAN portal. VAHAN, the national register for e-services provided by MoRTH, now hosts these 10-second video clips alongside traditional documentation. An official statement confirms, “All PUC centres in the capital have begun recording 10-second video clips while assessing pollution levels for two-wheelers, cars, and both passenger and commercial vehicles. Simultaneously, these videos are uploaded onto the portal.”
Impact on Certification Process
While this move promises a more robust inspection process, it is expected to have implications on the cost of obtaining a PUC certificate. The current fee structure stands at Rs 60 for two-wheelers, Rs 80 for petrol-powered four-wheelers, and Rs 100 for diesel-powered four-wheelers, with an additional 18% GST levied on these rates.
Financial Ramifications
With the added layer of video documentation, the costs associated with obtaining a PUC certificate are likely to witness an increase. The detailed scrutiny involved in the video recording process ensures a more comprehensive evaluation of a vehicle’s emissions, justifying a potential adjustment in the fee structure. Vehicle owners should anticipate a moderate rise in expenses as a result of these enhanced measures.
Future Implications and Nationwide Rollout
Delhi’s proactive approach to adopting the new system sets the stage for a nationwide transformation in the PUC certification process. The success of this initiative in the capital will likely encourage other states to follow suit, further solidifying the government’s commitment to combating air pollution through stringent vehicular emission controls.
Proposed Fee Hike and Public Response
While the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is yet to officially announce an increase in PUC certificate charges, the transport department is actively considering a proposal to revise the fee structure. The potential fee hike has sparked discussions among vehicle owners, with concerns about the financial implications of maintaining compliance with emission standards.
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