New Delhi, Jan 19 (KNN) As the union budget 2023-24 approaches, the automobile industry is expecting the government to focus more on hybrid models apart from solely emphasising on Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Speaking exclusively with KNN India, Rakesh Chhabra, President of RAI Industries Association said, “Lately government has only focused on EVs which is a good initiative but hybrid models should be considered and concessions should be provided.”

To meet the various global standards, the CEC member of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) said that the government must help the auto sector in upgardation which will help them comply with European and other international norms.

In view of component market which is majorly led by MSMEs, Chhabra said that subsidy should be provided to boost their exports.

Talking about industrial development of Haryana, he stated that the focus should be on infrastructure expansion in areas beyond Delhi NCR, Sonipat, Palwal etc.

International Road Federation (IRF), Geneva based global road safety body in a letter written to the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has demanded reduction of GST on life saving device helmets for safety of the Two-wheeler riders from present 10 per cent to 0 per cent.

“Reduction of GST on helmets will help in making the standard helmets more affordable for the masses and will discourage them from buying helmets of substandard quality,” said K K Kapila, President Emeritus, IRF.

He further that this in turn will assist, not only in reducing road accident fatalities of two wheeler riders, but also in reducing the GDP loss due to road accidents in our economy.  (KNN Bureau)