CM okays 'green tax' on old vehicles

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy has given his nod for 'Green Tax' on vehicles of more than 15 years old.

An official press release by the government today said that the state government would levy 'green tax' on all vehicles of more than 15 years old, besides increasing life tax on certain categories of vehicles. This decision has been taken as part of mobilisation of additional resources proposed by the transport department.

Reviewing the performance of the transport department, the chief minister also directed its commissioner, C R Biswal, not to register any more seven-seater autos and maxi cabs which are posing danger to the passengers and causing environment pollution.

He also asked the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) not to buy new buses but to hire buses and run them with APSRTC drivers.

The chief minister asked APSRTC to make efforts for regaining its past glory and take up methods such as improving efficiency in services, seeking bankers' assistance in reducing the interest burden on loans, and dissuade people from travelling in private vehicles.

He also suggested that the transport department come up with suggestions so as to make the operations of private vehicles unviable on the routes in which APSRTC operates.

The review meeting was attended by transport minister K Santhosh Reddy, chief secretary Mohan Kanda, principal secretary (finance) V S Sampath, secretary (R&B) Neelam Sawhney, Biswal and APSRTC vice-chairman and managing director P Gowtham Kumar.