Odisha Makes Electric Vehicles Mandatory for Government Use from June

In a major push towards green mobility and sustainable governance, the Odisha government has made the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) mandatory for all government departments from June 1. The new directive, issued by the Finance Department, requires all future government vehicle purchases and rental services to be electric.

The policy will apply across all levels of administration, from block and tehsil offices to the offices of the Chief Minister and Governor.

EV Purchases and Rentals Now Compulsory

According to the Finance Department’s notification, all government offices must either procure electric vehicles or hire EVs on a rental basis for official use.

The directive has come into effect retrospectively from June 1 and covers all government departments, offices, and institutions operating under the state government.

Officials believe the move will significantly reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles while promoting cleaner transportation across Odisha’s administrative network.

Monthly Rental Rates Fixed for Different Categories of Officials

The government has also fixed monthly rental rates for EVs to be used by various categories of officials.

Under the new guidelines:

• Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Justice of the High Court, High Court Judges, and Ministers: ₹80,000 per month
• Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Members of the Board of Revenue, and equivalent officers: ₹70,000 per month
• Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, and equivalent officers: ₹65,000 per month
• District Judges, Collectors, and Superintendents of Police (SPs): ₹60,000 per month
• Tehsil and Block-level officers: ₹55,000 per month
• Special Secretaries, Directors, district-level departmental vehicles, and other official categories: ₹50,000 per month

These rental rates will remain effective for the next two years.

Additional Charging Incentives Announced

The government has also clarified provisions regarding vehicle charging.

If the agency providing the vehicle arranges battery charging facilities, it will receive an additional payment of ₹2 per kilometre apart from the fixed monthly rental amount.

However, if charging infrastructure is provided by the government itself, no additional payment will be made to the service provider.

OREDA to Facilitate EV Procurement

State government departments will be able to hire up to 300 electric vehicles through the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA).

Departments can procure the vehicles through the tender process managed by OREDA and will be required to pay the approved rental charges directly to the agency.

The initiative is expected to streamline EV deployment while ensuring uniformity in procurement and operational standards.

Policy Applies Beyond Government Offices

The scope of the new policy extends beyond traditional government departments.

All state-owned public sector undertakings (PSUs), educational institutions, universities, autonomous bodies, and government-controlled societies will also be required to comply with the new EV mandate.

This makes Odisha one of the few states to implement a comprehensive electric mobility policy across a wide range of government institutions.

Move Aimed at Reducing Fuel Costs and Promoting Sustainability

The state government cited rising fuel costs and global energy uncertainties as key reasons behind the decision.

Officials noted that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have contributed to fluctuations in fuel prices, increasing the financial burden on government expenditure.

By transitioning to electric vehicles, the government aims to reduce fuel expenses, lower carbon emissions, and promote environmentally sustainable transportation practices.

The administration believes the initiative will not only generate long-term savings for the state exchequer but also set an example for wider adoption of electric mobility across Odisha.