Odisha Transport Department Proposes Significant Reduction in Pollution Certificate Penalties
In a move aimed at addressing public grievances, the Odisha transport department has put forward a proposal to substantially lower the fines for violations related to Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) norms. The current penalty of Rs 10,000 is set to be reduced to Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers and Rs 2,000 for other categories of vehicles.
Government Response to Public Resentment
Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced on January 8 that the government is actively considering a reduction in fine amounts. This decision comes in the wake of widespread discontent among motorists during recent stringent enforcement campaigns. The proposed changes reflect an effort to balance environmental regulations with practical concerns of vehicle owners.
Legal Framework and Emission Standards
Under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all motor vehicles operating in public spaces must adhere to prescribed emission standards. For vehicles meeting BS-IV and BS-VI standards, a PUCC is required annually. Vehicles below BS-IV standards must renew their certificates every six months to ensure compliance with environmental norms.
The Motor Vehicles Act (Amendment) of 2019 currently mandates penalties of Rs 10,000 for first-time offences and up to Rs 20,000 for repeat violations. Additional consequences include potential imprisonment for up to three months and suspension of driving licenses for the same duration.
Proposed Fine Structure and State Authority
A senior transport official explained that Section 200 of the MV Act empowers state governments to determine fine amounts, provided they do not exceed the limits set by the central government. "Considering public demand, we have submitted a proposal to the law department to review our plan to reduce fines," the official stated.
The proposed structure includes:
- Two-wheelers: Rs 1,000 for first offences and Rs 2,000 for repeat violations
- Other vehicles: Rs 2,000 for first offences and Rs 5,000 for multiple offences
Enforcement Timeline and Recent Developments
The government plans to relaunch enforcement actions against PUCC violations starting April 1. Previous enforcement efforts were suspended in late December 2025 following significant public backlash against the "no PUCC, no fuel" initiative, which aimed to deny petrol to vehicles without valid certificates.
In response to public pressure, the government recently withdrew this plan and halted electronic detection of PUCC violations at toll gates. However, the Orissa High Court has upheld the government's rule denying PUCC to vehicles with outstanding challans exceeding 90 days.
Last month, the government temporarily relaxed this rule, allowing PUCC issuance regardless of pending challans. It also eliminated multiple challans for repeat PUCC violations once defaulters obtained the required certificate. With the High Court's latest directive, the transport department is preparing to resume stricter enforcement measures from the beginning of April.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government's attempt to streamline pollution control measures while addressing the practical challenges faced by vehicle owners across Odisha.
