Advertisement

Updated May 30th, 2020 at 07:21 IST

Odisha govt announces exemption of road tax for passenger buses for three months

As India nears the end of the fourth phase of lockdown due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Odisha has provided much-needed relief to the private bus owners.

Reported by: Navashree Nandini
Odisha
| Image:self
Advertisement

As India nears the end of the fourth phase of lockdown due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Odisha has provided much-needed relief to the private bus owners. Making an announcement on Friday evening, the Odisha government exempted road tax for passenger buses for April, May, and June.

Bus operations in the state had completely stopped since March 22 due to the coronavirus lockdown, however, a notification issued by the Commerce and Transport Department on Friday announced that the taxes will not be collected from the vehicle owners. Meanwhile, the All Odisha Bus Owners Association decided to resume bus services a day after the state government assured that their demand for exemption of motor vehicle (MV) tax for three months will be considered. Private buses have started operating within the state from Thursday.

READ | Coronavirus Live Updates

Lockdown in India

The first phase of the lockdown was announced on March 24 for a duration of three weeks. To contain the virus, the government in that phase had only allowed a handful of essential services. The Centre then extended the lockdown till May 3 but eased a few restrictions. As cases increased, the lockdown was further extended till May 17 but the focus was now given to boost the economy that was severely affected. The centre allowed several activities and various sectors were opened up, including factories and industries in areas outside municipal limits. Non- essential services were also allowed to open except in Red zones and in containment areas.

READ | Goa CM speaks to HM, says '15-days lockdown extension possible'; demands more relaxations

Covid tally in India

The number of COVID-19 cases in India has climbed to 1,65,799. The Health Ministry on Friday said the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,706 in the country, while the number of cases climbed to 1,65,799, registering an increase of 175 deaths and a record jump of 7,466 cases. The Health Ministry said the number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 89,987, while 71,105 people have recovered and one patient has migrated. The total confirmed cases include foreigners.

READ | India's overall GDP for FY20 stands at 4.2% - hitting 11-year low amid lockdown 4.0

READ | China echoes India, rejects '3rd party intervention' in border issues after Trump's offer

Advertisement

Published May 30th, 2020 at 07:21 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Delhi Rains: Hailstorm and Heavy Rains in Gurgaon on Friday, Thunderstorms Predicted Until March 31
19 minutes ago
Russian Volunteer Corps
20 minutes ago
Force Motors' Q2 results
20 minutes ago
Crew
20 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024
21 minutes ago
Congress Press Conference
25 minutes ago
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir
27 minutes ago
Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey: ‘Anti-India’ Bangladesh Journalist Who Questioned US, UN on Arvind Kejriwal
27 minutes ago
Kia Motors
30 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo