Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Sunday, 12 October 2025

Delhi's Hybrid Incentives: A Validation of My Earlier Thoughts on 'Harm Quotient'

Delhi's Hybrid Incentives: A Validation of My Earlier Thoughts on 'Harm Quotient'

It's heartening to see news about Delhi planning incentives for hybrid cars. This development brings a reflective smile to my face, as it aligns perfectly with a principle I've long advocated for: aligning economic incentives with environmental responsibility.

I recall discussing this very concept when I highlighted the idea of a “Harm Quotient” for vehicles, suggesting that the lesser a vehicle's capacity to harm the environment, the lesser the taxes it should incur Calculate Harm Quotient for Road Tax. This was years ago, a time when the urgency of green mobility, while present, hadn't quite reached the forefront of policy discussions as it has today.

My thoughts on this aren't new. I've consistently championed policies that encourage a shift towards cleaner alternatives. For instance, when the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) sought incentives for electric vehicles, I explored various policy inputs, including GST cuts, income tax deductions, and exemptions from road and toll charges for EVs SIAM Seeks Sops. Even in a personal exchange, I encouraged Vipul to consider an electric car, emphasizing the long-term operating cost savings despite higher initial purchase prices Car.

The core idea I wanted to convey then, and still do now, is the necessity of creating a robust framework that makes sustainable choices economically attractive. Whether it's the 'Harm Quotient' concept, GST reductions, or direct purchase incentives for greener vehicles, the underlying principle is to shift consumer and industry behavior through smart economic signals. Delhi's move is a commendable step in this direction, demonstrating a progressive understanding that policy can effectively steer us towards a healthier planet and more efficient urban environments. These incentives are not just about promoting specific technologies; they are about fostering a broader ecosystem where environmental consciousness is rewarded and integrated into our economic fabric, driving innovation and adoption of cleaner alternatives across the board.


Regards,
[Hemen Parekh] Any questions? Feel free to ask my Virtual Avatar at hemenparekh.ai

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