Vintage cars will not be subjected to the new Meghalaya Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2025, details of which were announced today.
The cabinet had approved the policy last week but only an outline of the contents was presented. At the time, it was stated that non-government vehicles – private and commercial – over 35 years old will be scrapped.
However, details of the policy shared today make clear that only cars over that age “that fail fitness tests” will be scrapped. Vehicles registered as vintage under the central government’s motor vehicle rules will also be spared. Government vehicles older than 15 years that fail fitness tests will be taken off the roads.
The objectives of the policy are to modernise Meghalaya’s vehicle fleet by introducing scrappage incentives that will create “an ecosystem by promoting sustainability, road safety and climate preservation”.
Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) will be created to “streamline fitness testing, collection, depolluting and dismantling of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).” Additionally, the vehicle scrapping policy promotes fleet modernisation by phasing out unfit, high-emission vehicles through a scientific, eco-friendly process, reducing pollution and enhancing fuel efficiency, the policy document states.
The government expects that the policy will lead to creating employment opportunities by formalising the scrapping and recycling industry, enhance efficiency in vehicle disposal and recycling, reduce the number of unfit vehicles and thereby cut pollution levels.
RVSFs will be helped with a 100 per cent exemption of stamp duty and registration up to a ceiling of Rs 10 lakh and be supported through the government’s land bank to set up collection centres in Meghalaya. Scrap values will be determined “based on the ferrous metal content and market price.”
Vehicle owners will be issued with ‘certificates of deposit’ after scrapping ELVs, which will allow them to avail incentives on new vehicle purchases. Those who buy Bharat Stage VI compliant cars or electric vehicles after scrapping their old ones will receive a full waiver on RTO registration charges. Owners will also be given a motor vehicle tax rebate of up to 25 per cent for non-transport vehicles and 15 per cent for transport vehicles, valid for 8 or 15 years depending on type.
