Daily Current Affairs : 22-December-2023

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry has recently proposed extending the Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) – II Scheme by a minimum of three additional years. This move aims to bolster the growth of electric mobility in India and address the evolving needs of the sector.

Scope Enhancement for Inclusivity:

To make the FAME-II Scheme more inclusive, the committee suggests widening its scope. This would involve extending support to a broader range of electric vehicles, ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach a larger segment of the population.

Subsidies for Electric Two-Wheelers:

One key recommendation involves reinstating subsidies on electric two-wheelers. Recognizing the potential impact of electric two-wheelers on reducing emissions and enhancing urban mobility, the committee emphasizes the need to incentivize their adoption.

Support for Electric Four-Wheelers:

The committee advocates for an expansion of support for electric four-wheelers, encompassing private electric vehicles. To manage this, they propose a cap based on the cost and battery capacity of the vehicle, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach.

Charging Infrastructure Incentives:

In an effort to boost the charging infrastructure, the committee suggests incentivizing the installation of charging stations. Additionally, extending support to diverse entities such as individual investors, women’s self-help groups, and cooperative societies would contribute to a more widespread and accessible charging network.

  • Incentivizing charging station installation.
  • Extending support to individual investors, women’s self-help groups, and cooperative societies.
Allocation of More Funds:

Recognizing the role of entities like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in popularizing electric vehicle (EV) mobility, the committee recommends allocating additional funds. This financial support aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities and promote the widespread adoption of EVs.

Consistent National Policy:

The committee underscores the necessity of a consistent and stable national policy on electric mobility. Such a policy framework would provide a clear roadmap, ensuring continuity and stability in the sector, ultimately fostering investor confidence and sustainable growth.

Important Points:
  • FAME-II Scheme Extension:
    • Recommended extension by at least three years.
    • Aims to boost electric mobility growth in India.
  • Scope Enhancement for Inclusivity:
    • Proposal to broaden FAME-II Scheme scope.
    • Seeks to support a wider range of electric vehicles for increased societal impact.
  • Subsidies for Electric Two-Wheelers:
    • Committee recommends reinstating subsidies.
    • Focus on encouraging adoption of electric two-wheelers for emission reduction and urban mobility improvement.
  • Support for Electric Four-Wheelers:
    • Advocates expanding support for private electric four-wheelers.
    • Proposes a cap based on cost and battery capacity for a balanced approach.
  • Charging Infrastructure Incentives:
    • Incentivizing installation of charging stations.
    • Extension of support to diverse entities, including individual investors and women’s self-help groups.
  • Allocation of More Funds:
    • Recommends allocating additional funds to entities like BHEL.
    • Aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities and promote widespread EV adoption.
  • Consistent National Policy:
    • Emphasizes the need for a stable and consistent national policy on electric mobility.
    • Provides a clear roadmap for continuity, stability, and investor confidence.
Why In News

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, recognizing the pivotal role of the Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) – II Scheme in fostering sustainable mobility, has recommended its extension by at least three more years to further accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the country.

MCQs about FAME-II Scheme Extension in India

  1. What is the primary recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry regarding the FAME-II Scheme?
    A. Increase subsidies for electric four-wheelers
    B. Extend the scheme by at least three years
    C. Broaden the scope for electric bicycles
    D. Allocate more funds for public transportation
    Correct Answer: B. Extend the scheme by at least three years
    Explanation: The committee suggests extending the FAME-II Scheme by at least three years to bolster the growth of electric mobility in India.
  2. What is the committee’s proposal to enhance the inclusivity of the FAME-II Scheme?
    A. Focus on electric cars exclusively
    B. Broaden the scope to support a wider range of electric vehicles
    C. Limit support to government-owned electric vehicles
    D. Introduce stringent eligibility criteria for subsidies
    Correct Answer: B. Broaden the scope to support a wider range of electric vehicles
    Explanation: The committee recommends broadening the scope of the FAME-II Scheme to include a wider range of electric vehicles for increased societal impact.
  3. Which category of electric vehicles does the committee specifically recommend reinstating subsidies for?
    A. Electric bicycles
    B. Electric two-wheelers
    C. Electric three-wheelers
    D. Electric buses
    Correct Answer: B. Electric two-wheelers
    Explanation: The committee suggests reinstating subsidies on electric two-wheelers to encourage their adoption for emission reduction and urban mobility improvement.
  4. What does the committee propose regarding charging infrastructure in India?
    A. Limit charging station installation to government entities
    B. Discourage the installation of private charging stations
    C. Incentivize the installation of charging stations and extend support to various entities
    D. Delegate charging infrastructure development solely to electric vehicle manufacturers
    Correct Answer: C. Incentivize the installation of charging stations and extend support to various entities
    Explanation: The committee recommends incentivizing the installation of charging stations and extending support to various entities, including individual investors and women’s self-help groups, to promote a widespread and accessible charging network.

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