Pune: The demand for the Bharat (BH) series registration of vehicles is on the rise in the city even after the criteria have become stricter and process more stringent.According to the Pune RTO data, as many as 4,282 BH series registrations were issued between Jan and June, compared to just 2,816 such registrations during the corresponding period last year. It shows a jump of over 52%.Transport officials said the rising demand has prompted the department to tighten scrutiny further, including the possibility of physically verifying applicants’ employers to ensure only genuine beneficiaries receive the registrations.“The BH series was introduced to benefit people with transferable jobs, who have to move frequently between states. It saves them from re-registering their vehicles every time they relocate. We are exploring additional verification measures, including physical checks of companies, to ensure the facility is not misused,” a transport department official said.Officials said the BH registration, which began with the year of registration followed by ‘BH’ and a four-digit number and one or two alphabets, was never intended to be a status symbol.The stricter norms were introduced after authorities found that many applicants were seeking BH registrations despite not meeting the eligibility criteria, largely because the distinctive number plate had become a matter of prestige.“The applicant must now submit ‘Form 60’ issued by the employer. The form certifies that the employee works for an organisation that has offices in at least four states. Applicants must also provide proof of the company’s presence across states, including GST details,” a Pune RTO official said.The growing popularity of BH registrations is evident from the annual figures. Pune issued 6,611 BH series registrations in 2025, up from 4,223 in 2024.Officials said two-wheelers account for a significant share of the rise. Even though they carry financial risks if tax payments are delayed, two-wheeler owners are opting for the series. “Owners of the BH series vehicles pay motor vehicle tax every two years instead of making a one-time payment. However, many people forget to renew it. In the case of two-wheelers, a delay attracts a penalty of Rs.100 per day,” another RTO official said.Under the existing rules, an eligible applicant can obtain a BH registration for one four-wheeler and one two-wheeler. Despite repeated warnings about the penalties, many continue to opt for BH numbers for their motorcycles and scooters.The RTO data shows that 2,448 two-wheelers received BH registrations in 2025 compared to 1,484 in 2024. However, as many as 1,530 two-wheelers received BH series between Jan and June, against 967 during the same period last year.Commuters who genuinely benefit from the scheme also support stricter checks. “I was transferred from Pune to Delhi a month ago after serving in Jaipur. The BH registration has made relocation much easier because I don’t have to re-register my vehicle or pay fresh state taxes every time I move,” said an employee of a private company, requesting anonymity. “But many people apply simply because the number plate looks different. That defeats the purpose of the scheme,” he said.
