New Delhi (Agency): The state of West Bengal in India has taken a significant step to benefit persons with disabilities. According to a recent notification by the state’s transport department, Divyangjan ownership type motor vehicles are exempted from the payment of motor vehicle tax. This move aims to make transportation more accessible and affordable for individuals classified as Divyangjan.
The notification, dated August 29, 2023, instructs all motor vehicle registering authorities in West Bengal to act accordingly. The exemption will remain valid as long as a Divyang person remains the registered owner of the vehicle.
Transport Secretary Saumitra Mohan issued the notification. It stated that vehicles registered under Divyangjan ownership would not need to pay the tax as per the West Bengal Motor Vehicles Act. This exemption will remain in place as long as a Divyang person is its registered owner.
The notification also mentioned that applications have been coming in from persons with benchmark disabilities. They are applying to record their vehicles’ ownership type as ‘Divyangjan’ on registration certificates to avail of various exemptions offered by the government.
The central Ministry of Heavy Industries has made provisions for this exemption. It considers motor vehicles owned by persons with a minimum of 40 percent orthopedic physical disability to be classified as Divyangjan. This is as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2018.
Earlier this year, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also advised state governments to extend benefits to vehicles owned by persons with benchmark disabilities. The advisory was issued on February 3, 2023, suggesting that more states may follow West Bengal’s lead in offering similar benefits.