Assam Imposes Green Cess on Older Vehicle Ownership Transfers

Guwahati: Assam is hitting owners of older vehicles with a new Green Cess when they sign over their titles. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed the move on the social media platform X. He wants to push drivers toward cleaner options. The money will fund the state's greening projects.

The government designed the tax to shrink the state's carbon footprint. It discourages the continued use of smog-heavy engines. "The measure aims to discourage the use of older, more polluting vehicles and encourage people to switch to newer, less polluting alternatives," Sarma stated.

Not everyone pays up. The state granted exemptions for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, electric vehicles, and units running on compressed natural gas. Officials have yet to provide a rollout date. The administration also kept quiet on the specific tax rates and the exact age threshold that defines a vehicle as old.