Gandhinagar: Gujarat govt has revised its vehicle purchase policy to accommodate field inspections, enforcement drives and off-road duties, introducing two new categories and expanding the choice of electric vehicles (EVs) for govt use.The revised policy, announced on Monday, introduces category F for field inspection and enforcement vehicles and category F1 for officers required to operate in difficult terrain. The move expands the scope of the 2023 vehicle purchase policy, which largely prescribed vehicles based on the designation and responsibilities of govt officials.“The changes mark a shift from a predominantly post-based approach to one that also takes into account the nature of an officer’s duties and the terrain in which they operate,” an official statement said.Category F includes the Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 4X4, Mahindra Thar Roxx MX5, Mahindra Bolero Neo N10 (O), Kia Carens Clavis HTE (O), Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus and Toyota Rumion V. The category also permits the purchase of electric models such as the Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro 39.4 kWh and Tata Nexon EV Creative 45.Category F1 covers officers from departments including home, forest and environment, industries and mines, Narmada and water resources, water supply, panchayat and rural housing, ports and transport, roads and buildings, and revenue.Besides Category F vehicles, officers eligible under F1 can purchase specialised models, including the Tata Yodha Pickup, Isuzu V-Cross 4WD Z, Mahindra Bolero Pick-Up 4WD and Mahindra Bolero Camper Gold RX 4WD.The provision is intended to meet operational requirements in forest areas, remote regions, mining zones and construction sites, the statement said.The 2023 policy replaced the 2019 framework and introduced EV options, including the Tata Tigor EV, in Categories D and E. The latest revision extends electric mobility options to field inspection and enforcement duties.Under the policy, vehicles must be purchased through the govt e-Marketplace (GeM) at prevailing market prices. Purchases outside the prescribed categories require justification and approval from the competent authority, along with prior govt approval as stipulated.
