Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari sharply rebutted on Thursday what he called a "paid politically motivated social media campaign" against the government's ethanol-blended petrol scheme, which he claimed had successfully increased farmers' earnings and cut pollution across the country.
Speaking at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Gadkari said that extensive tests had ascertained that there were no issues with the implementation of 20 per cent ethanol-blended (E20) petrol.
He added that the production of ethanol from sugarcane, maize, and rice had resulted in improved crop prices, thus boosting farmers' incomes.
In the case of maize alone, the farmers had earned Rs 45,000 crore owing to the greater demand and rise in price of the crop once it was permitted to be used as input for producing ethanol," Gadkari noted.
The minister also noted that blending of ethanol had helped reduce pollution, which was also a point brought out during the G20 meet, an indication that the world was already acknowledging the success of the programme.
Gadkari also mentioned that the Supreme Court had rejected petitions questioning the legality and safety of E20 fuel.
Recently, the supreme court rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) that claimed the majority of cars in India were not compatible with E20 fuel, which could lead to material damage, safety hazards, lower mileage, and forfeited insurance claims.
By turning down the appeal, the Supreme Court upheld the government's stand, referring to gains for sugarcane farmers as well as reducing the oil imports of the country due to the E20 scheme.
The minister also cited studies that showed high pollution levels were helping bring down people's life expectancy.
He noted that recent fears over engine damage and warranty issues had been proven false. “All testing agencies have confirmed there is no problem with implementation,” he said, reaffirming the government’s push for cleaner fuels.
Gadkari encouraged the auto industry to extend the advantages of the scrapping policy to consumers through discounts on new car purchases, noting that this would reduce pollution and simultaneously boost automobile sales.
He also pointed out the GST cut, terming it as the Prime Minister's gift that would boost automobile sales. The minister noted India's automobile industry moved from seventh position to third position worldwide, emphasizing the increasing robustness of the country's manufacturing industry as it marches toward Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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