Over 96,000 Vehicles Classified as 'Adapted' for the Disabled Since 2020: Government
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Synopsis
Since 2020, over 96,000 vehicles have been registered as adapted vehicles for individuals with disabilities in India, as reported by the government. This initiative allows eligible persons to purchase vehicles at a reduced GST rate, supporting their mobility needs.
Key Takeaways
- 96,000 vehicles registered for disabled individuals.
- Adapted vehicles defined by specific modifications.
- Reduced GST for eligible buyers.
- Government schemes assist with mobility aids.
- Specific vehicle criteria for registration.
New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) More than 96,000 vehicles have been registered as adapted vehicles for individuals with disabilities since 2020, according to a statement from the government in Parliament on Friday.
An adapted vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that is either specifically designed and constructed, or has undergone modifications for the use of a person with any physical defect or disability, and is utilized exclusively by or for that individual.
“A total of 96,265 vehicles were registered as adapted vehicles during the timeframe from January 1, 2020, to March 19, 2025,” stated Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, in a written response in the Rajya Sabha.
According to Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with Rule 47A, Rule 47B & Rule 112 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, there are provisions concerning vehicle modifications or retrofitting and the endorsement of such alterations.
Individuals with disabilities, specifically those with an orthopaedic physical disability of 40 percent or greater, can acquire adapted vehicles at a reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST), provided they have certificates from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
As per the Ministry's guidelines, this concession applies only to motor vehicles with a length not exceeding 4000 mm.
Eligible vehicles include petrol, LPG, or compressed natural gas-driven vehicles with an engine capacity not exceeding 1200 cc; and diesel vehicles with an engine capacity not exceeding 1500 cc.
All vehicles sold under the authority of a certificate issued by the MHI, along with the concessional GST, will be registered as an “Adapted Vehicle”, according to the Motor Vehicle Act, Varma added.
The Central government also provides assistance through various schemes aimed at helping disabled persons with the procurement and fitting of aids and appliances, such as motorized tricycles, wheelchairs, prostheses, orthoses, walking sticks, accessible smartphones, smart canes, low vision aids, and hearing aids.
