Gujarat has revised its vehicle purchase policy to allow electric vehicles, 4x4s and specialised pickups for government officers involved in field inspections, enforcement drives and duties in difficult terrain. The changes introduce categories F and F1, expanding the 2023 framework that had largely linked vehicle eligibility to an officer’s designation and responsibilities.
The revised policy, announced on Monday, creates Category F for field inspection and enforcement vehicles. The category includes the Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 4X4, Mahindra Thar Roxx MX5, Mahindra Bolero Neo N10 (O), Kia Carens Clavis HTE (O), Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus and Toyota Rumion V.
Category F also permits electric models for eligible duties, including the Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro 39.4 kWh and Tata Nexon EV Creative 45. The expansion extends the availability of EVs beyond the categories covered under the 2023 policy, which had included models such as the Tata Tigor EV in Categories D and E.
Category F1 applies to officers whose work requires vehicles capable of operating in remote or challenging locations. Departments covered under the category include home, forest and environment, industries and mines, Narmada and water resources, water supply, panchayat and rural housing, ports and transport, roads and buildings, and revenue.
In addition to vehicles listed under Category F, officers eligible under F1 can purchase specialised models such as the Tata Yodha Pickup, Isuzu V-Cross 4WD Z, Mahindra Bolero Pick-Up 4WD and Mahindra Bolero Camper Gold RX 4WD. The policy statement said the provision is intended to support operations in forest areas, remote regions, mining zones and construction sites.
An official statement described the revision as a shift from a predominantly post-based approach to one that also considers the nature of an officer’s duties and the terrain in which the officer operates. The change places operational requirements alongside administrative rank when determining the government vehicle assigned to an official.
The revised policy retains the requirement that vehicles be purchased through the government e-Marketplace, or GeM, at prevailing market prices. Any purchase outside the prescribed categories will require justification and approval from the competent authority, along with prior government approval as stipulated under the policy.
The policy expands the framework introduced in 2023, which replaced Gujarat’s 2019 vehicle purchase rules. The latest revision therefore affects both fleet eligibility and procurement choices: departments performing field-based work receive access to vehicles suited to off-road conditions, while electric options are added to a wider range of government duties.
