“The goal of the policy is to achieve the adoption of 20% of electric vehicles of all car registrations by 2025 and to promote the manufacture of these vehicles and their components, including the battery, in the state. It also aims to facilitate innovation, research and development. “said Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra.

He said it is now necessary to reduce vehicle pollution and carbon emissions.

“It is high time to reduce emissions by limiting the use of vehicles that consume fossil fuels and by accelerating the rate of adoption of electric vehicles,” he said.

Various incentives will be available for electric vehicle manufacturing industries and for individuals to purchase, another official said, adding that the subsidy of interest on loans, exemption from road tax and fees. recording were also offered.

The incentives under the start-up policy of the MSME department will also be extended to the manufacture of non-polluting vehicles.

As per the policy, a 15 percent subsidy for the purchase of electric motorcycles, three-wheelers and four-wheelers will be provided with a maximum amount of Rs 5,000, Rs 12,000 and Rs 1,000,000, respectively.

The Cabinet also approved the Odisha Sand Policy, 2021, which will ensure its sustainable exploitation in the state.

The policy was developed taking into account the supply and demand situation, source identification, mining plan, environment and other regulatory approvals, Mohapatra said.

“This is in line with environmental regulations and to ensure an adequate supply of sand for development and welfare projects,” he said.

This will help prevent illegal sand mining and ensure a strong oversight mechanism with regulations based on information technology.

The Cabinet also approved several proposals regarding various departments ranging from social security and empowerment of people with disabilities, water resources, trade and transport to fisheries, income and disaster management.

He approved a tender worth Rs199.60 crore for the construction of a wall at the site of the Kanpur Irrigation Project in Keonjhar District. The work would be completed in 11 months, he added.