Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: The Odisha government on Wednesday reduced the penalty for violations related to Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) norms, providing relief to vehicle owners while reiterating that enforcement of motor vehicle and road safety regulations will continue.

Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said the penalty, which had been fixed at Rs 10,000 since 2019, has now been substantially reduced under the revised rules. The new fines will vary according to the vehicle category and whether the offence is committed for the first time or repeated.

For motorcycles, three-wheelers and passenger or goods vehicles, the penalty has been fixed at Rs 1,000 for the first violation and Rs 2,000 for subsequent offences. Motor cabs, cars and jeeps, along with tractors and trailers, will attract a fine of Rs 2,000 for the first offence and Rs 5,000 for repeat violations.

For other vehicles, the penalty will be Rs 3,000 for the first violation and Rs 6,000 for subsequent offences.

Jena said the decision followed concerns raised by vehicle owners, associations and the media regarding strict PUCC enforcement, the availability of pollution testing centres and the high penalty.

“Our government is a government of the people, and we have never ignored the concerns and problems of the people,” Jena said.

He added that public demands for reducing the penalty had been received, clarifying that the earlier Rs 10,000 fine was prescribed by the previous state government in 2019. The Minister stressed that vehicle owners must continue to obtain valid PUCC certificates and comply with pollution and road safety norms.

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