Big relief for people as Odisha govt extends PUCC deadline

In a major decision, the Odisha government has decided to extend the validity period for Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)  by one month, Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena informed on Wednesday.

 The decision has been taken to provide relief to vehicle owners and allow them additional time to update their pollution certificates and other mandatory vehicle documents.

“We will give one month so that people can make all their documents, including PUCC, ready. I appeal tothe  public to make sure that they have all the valid documents. I don’t understand why people are having problems when the government is observing road safety month. There is a need to enforce the rules strictly to save precious lives that are being lost in road mishaps,” said the Minister.

The Minister said the one-month grace period will enable motorists to complete essential formalities such as renewal of Registration Certificates (RC), fitness certificates, PUC, and vehicle insurance without facing immediate penalties. He urged vehicle owners to make use of the extended period to regularise all required documents.

The extension comes amid reports of heavy rush and technical issues at pollution testing centres following stricter enforcement measures. The Transport Department has clarified that strict action will be taken once the extended period ends and advised vehicle owners to ensure compliance well in advance to avoid fines and inconvenience.