Pic Credit: Pexel
June 5: The Odisha government has announced a major shift towards green mobility, making it mandatory for all departments and state-supported institutions to hire only electric vehicles (EVs) for official use from June 1, 2026.
According to an Office Memorandum issued by the Finance Department, the directive applies to government departments, public sector undertakings, universities, autonomous bodies, and other institutions receiving state assistance. The move is aimed at reducing fuel expenditure and promoting sustainable transportation amid rising energy costs.
Under the new framework, category-wise monthly hiring ceilings for EVs have been fixed. At the block and tahasil level, vehicles can be hired up to ₹55,000 per month, while district-level officers such as Collectors and Superintendents of Police may avail vehicles up to ₹60,000 per month. Senior administrative officers will be eligible for higher ceilings ranging from ₹65,000 to ₹70,000, while the highest limit of ₹80,000 per month has been set for top constitutional and executive offices, including the Governor, Chief Minister, and Ministers.
The policy also includes provisions for charging cost reimbursement at ₹2 per kilometre, while encouraging departments to use services facilitated through the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA), which may supply up to 300 EVs on a rental basis.
Officials said the initiative marks a significant step towards cleaner governance and reduced carbon emissions, aligning state administration with broader climate and energy transition goals. The guidelines will remain effective for two years and will be reviewed thereafter.
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