PANAJI
Goa became the first State in India to halt the subsidy for purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) from August 1 this year but nearly four months later the government is going ahead with its plan to set up charging points across the State.
The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) will spend Rs 3.2 crore to build nearly 40 EV charging stations across Goa under FAME II guidelines.
It has floated a tender inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) for selection of the firm or individual entrepreneur for supply, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the 40 charging stations.
The EoIs have to be submitted by those having experience in the field and present their plan on a Design, Built, Operate, Finance and Transfer (DBOFT) basis.
Earlier in August, Goa withdrew its subsidy scheme for EV buyers without giving any reasons. Central and FAME-II subsidies however continue to apply to EV buyers in the State.
"Government is pleased to announce to discontinue the scheme for 'Promotion of Electric Vehicles in the State of Goa," the public notice issued by the Department of New and Renewable Energy states.
Although no reasons were given to abruptly stop the incentive scheme for EVs, government sources had indicated that that the target set for EVs under the policy being met as being one of the reasons.
