Ramakanta Biswas

Bhubaneswar: In what could come as a relief for vehicle owners in Odisha, the State Transport Authority (STA) has extended the validity period of learner's license (LL) and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate till June 30 in the wake of Coronavirus lockdown.

The move came close on the heels of extension of validity of documents like driving licenses, permits and registration, which expired since February 1, till June 30 by the Centre.

“Central govt extends  validity of fitness, registration, permit, DL etc till 30th June. Even though not specifically mentioned we will extend validity of LL and PUC certificate till 30th June in Odisha,” the STA tweeted.

The STA has advised transporters to dial police helpline number 0674-2620200 in case of any issues in movement of goods vehicles during the lockdown period.

“For movement of goods vehicles no pass is required, they can move freely inside Odisha,” the STA tweeted.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Collects Rs 38.67 Cr Fine Under New MV Act

According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the validity of motor vehicle related documents including driving licenses, permits, fitness certificate and registration have been extended to June 30.

“It has come to the notice that citizens are facing difficulties in renewal of validity of various documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 due to complete lockdown in the country and closure of Government Transport Offices,” the circular said.

“In view of the above, for the requirements of the validity of the documents, it is advised that the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), Driving License, Registration or any other concerned document(s) whose extension of validity could not or not likely be processed due to lockdown and which have expired since February 1 2020 or would expire by 30th of June 2020,” the circular stated.

The enforcement authorities have been asked to treat such documents valid till 30th of June 2020.

'Non-use clause facility' for transport vehicles for suspension of tax liability, which is operational in a number of states and the facility is being provided by NIC on the VAHAN platform online, may be adopted by other states to give relief to the commercial vehicles like taxi, bus etc. which are non-operational under the current circumstances, the circular added.

Read More: COVID-19: MHA Issues Strict Lockdown Guidelines, Asks States To Ensure Unhindered Essential Services

All the States and Union Territories have been directed to implement the advisory in letter so that the people, the transporters and various other organisations, which are rendering essential services at this difficult time, may not get harassed and face difficulties amidst nationwide lockdown, the circular reads.

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