Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha has made the procurement of Electric Vehicles (EVs) mandatory for official use with effect from June 1, 2026, citing prevailing fuel and energy challenges arising from the West Asia crisis and the rising burden of fuel expenditure.
According to an Office Memorandum issued by the Finance Department, all new official vehicle purchases must be electric, subject to prescribed cost ceilings based on the rank of the functionaries.
Under the new guidelines, the maximum permissible price for EVs has been fixed at Rs 30 lakh (excluding taxes and statutory dues) for the governor, chief minister, chief justice, judges of the Orissa High Court, and ministers.
For top bureaucratic posts, including the chief secretary, development commissioner, agriculture production commissioner and equivalent ranks, the ceiling has been set at Rs 25 lakh. For District Judges, Collectors, and Superintendents of Police, the limit has been fixed at Rs 20 lakh.
The policy aims to reduce fuel dependency and curb expenditure while promoting cleaner mobility in official transport systems. It also establishes a structured procurement framework aligned with the administrative hierarchy.
The memorandum directs all departments to ensure strict compliance while procuring vehicles under the new EV-only mandate.
