Bhubaneswar: In view of the prevailing fuel and energy challenges arising out of West Asia crisis and the increasing burden of fuel expenditure, the Odisha government has directed all departments to procure electric vehicles (EVs) for official use.
The Finance Department issued an official memorandum outlining mandatory conditions for EV procurement to reduce fuel expenditure and promote sustainable mobility. It has also specified cost ceilings for different categories of functionaries.
According to the memorandum, all new EVs purchased by government departments must adhere to the maximum price limits prescribed for various categories of officials.
The ceiling has been fixed at Rs 30 lakh for the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Justice and Judges of Orissa High Court, and Ministers.
Similarly, Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Secretaries (including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries), and equivalent ranks are entitled to vehicles costing up to Rs 25 lakh.
District Judge, Collectors, Superintendents of Police and equivalent officers can use vehicles costing up to Rs 20 lakh.
The memorandum further stipulates that procurement of EVs shall be carried out according to prescribed procedures and only after obtaining concurrence from the Finance Department.
New EVs shall be procured only after completion of the prescribed lifespan and condemnation or scrapping of the existing vehicle. Departments have also been advised to procure vehicles from the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform wherever possible.
The government has approved models from Tata, Mahindra, and Maruti for official use. The “One Officer, One Vehicle” principle will apply strictly to all purchases. The directive also extends to government undertakings, universities, and societies supported by the state.
