Kerala's e-mobility programme paves way for electric future

Fuel prices in the country might be going through the roof, but for the citizens of Kerala, there is good news. The state government is now encouraging the use of cost-effective, pollutant-free plug-in electric vehicles to say goodbye to expensive internal combustion engines, thereby preserving the environment. So, if you think gasoline cars are no longer affordable owing to the skyrocketing fuel prices, you can think of buying an electric vehicle, and the state government would be glad to help you out.

Titled the e-mobility programme, the government aims to fight pollution by rolling out the environment-friendly substitute for fossil fuels. As part of the campaign, the State Government Departments are encouraged to switch to electrical vehicles (EVs) from Petrol or Diesel cars which are taken on lease or hired for official purpose.

Recently, Tata Motors has delivered the first lot of 65 EVs to the motor vehicle department of Kerala as part of 'Safe Kerala' road safety initiative rolled out in connection with e-mobility project. Of the 60, the Indian automobile giant has handed over 45 Nexons to the state, and the remaining will be handed over soon. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) are part of the venture.

Kerala, an ecologically sensitivities state with biodiversity and tourist attractions, wants to maintain its ecological features and ensure a sustainable development for its people. With the first-of-its-kind initiative, Kerala looks to switch to electric vehicles as a natural choice in line with its developmental ambitions. ANERT will unveil e-vehicles and charging stations across the state to achieve the e-mobility goal.

Neem-G electric auto

The state will export Kerala Neem G auto rickshaws, made by public-run Kerala Automobiles Limited (KAL), to Nepal. In future, the state is planning to sell the autos to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Kenya. It has shipped the first batch of the 25 eco-friendly electric vehicles to Nepal from the KAL plant at Aralumoodu, near Thiruvananthapuram. The battery was made using the German technology and can be charged in three hours and 55 minutes. The auto can be using a three-pin plug in households too.

E-autos to mothers of differently abled

In a recent Facebook post, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced free e-autos to the mothers of the differently abled people belonging to poor financial backgrounds in the state. In the first phase, two vehicles each will be distributed in all the districts.

Comments

Under this govt, owning a house no longer a dream

Owning a house is not an easy feat. For many, it takes a lifetime of savings to build one while for others, banks can help out with home loans. In any case, the bulk of people’s wages goes into constructing a house. But, what about those whose dreams of owning a house are beyond their financial capabilities? That is where governments can chip in with financial assistance, and that is exactly what the Kerala government has done through its LIFE Mission programme. The kind gesture from the state brought back smiles to the faces of people who once thought building a house was beyond their reach. The state has, so far, constructed 2.51 lakh houses for its citizens who did not have any fixed abode for long. Those who meet the eligibility for the government assistance can avail the service by applying online. Under the programme, the applicant will receive Rs 4 lakh for a house, to which the Centre makes a contribution of Rs 72,000 in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) rural and Rs 1.5...

Thanks to LDF Govt, Kerala is a Gawking-Wage free state

The past five years saw the Kerala Government showcase the courage to act on sensitive issues that led to frequent conflicts in the state. The ban on Nooku Kooli or 'gawking wage' has been one such measure that came as a jolt to trade unions who charged hirers for just looking while others worked. Making this obsolete gawking wage practice unlawful, the government made the all-important step to transform Kerala as an investment-friendly destination Nokku Kooli, which literally translates into 'gawking wage or fees', is a localised term used to refer to the money extortion done by organised labour unions in the state. Under this unwritten law, wages have to be paid to trade union workers for loading and unloading works carried out by other workers or by machines. This practice has received criticism from all quarters for its futility and senselessness, and was considered a product of militant trade unionism that often led to constant fights between workers and busines...

Welfare pension brings a whiff of life to the elderly

As people hit old age, those employed in the public sector can retire and live off the pensions and other benefits doled out by the government. Those posted in the private firms, on the other hand, could save enough and secure life post-retirement. But what about the other at-risk group, the non-earning elderly people who depend on others for money? The State Government assists them with welfare pensions. The government has implemented the pension scheme to help senior citizens without any source of income to be independent for their primary needs. As per the records, more than 46 lakh people receive social security pensions from the State Government, while another 6.5 lakh people draw the welfare fund board pensions. In the past four years of the current administration, a total of 29,770 people were included in the beneficiary list for pensions. The government also scrutinized the list and weeded out the people who are ineligible to get the benefits. Much to the...

Kerala Forward

Search This Blog