The Government of India is planning to set-up two high-level bodies to frame policies for promotion of hybrid and electric cars in India. The high-level bodies will be formed within this week. First one among these bodies will be National Council for Electric Mobility (NCEM), which will be headed by Heavy Industries Minister Praful Patel. The NECM will work as a political forum in the country. The second body – National Board for Electric Mobility (NBEM) – will be a junior body at the executive level.
Speaking at a function organized by the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) in the National Capital, Department of Heavy Industry Joint Secretary Ambuj Sharma said, "Within three to four days, we would be setting up these bodies." Mr. Sharma added that it was time India took steps to develop and promote hybrid and electric vehicles as there is a need for alternative and emission-friendly initiatives. The NCEM and NBEM have already been approved by the cabinet.
In the first 10 months of last fiscal (April-February), the oil imports of the country amounted to USD 88.17 billion as compared to total imports of USD 304 billion during the period. At present, 75 percent crude oil requirement of the country is met through imports. The promotion of alternative energy vehicles would reduce this dependency.
