Gujarat has revised its government vehicle purchase policy to add dedicated categories for field inspections, enforcement drives and difficult terrain, while expanding the electric vehicle options available to officials. The changes announced on Monday allow departments to select vehicles according to operational duties and terrain, rather than relying mainly on an officer’s post or designation.
The revised policy introduces Category F for field inspection and enforcement vehicles and Category F1 for officers who are required to operate in difficult terrain. An official statement said the changes mark a shift from a predominantly post-based approach to one that also considers the nature of an officer’s duties and the conditions in which they work.
Category F 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. The category also permits electric models, including the Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro 39.4 kWh and Tata Nexon EV Creative 45.
Category F1 applies to officers in departments including 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. Officers eligible under this category can purchase specialised vehicles such as the Tata Yodha Pickup, Isuzu V-Cross 4WD Z, Mahindra Bolero Pick-Up 4WD and Mahindra Bolero Camper Gold RX 4WD.
The provision is intended to support official work in forest areas, remote regions, mining zones and construction sites. These departments undertake inspections, enforcement and infrastructure-related operations across locations where standard passenger vehicles may not meet operational requirements. The policy therefore links vehicle eligibility to the geography and conditions of government work.
The revision also extends electric mobility options beyond the categories covered by the state’s 2023 vehicle purchase policy. That framework replaced the 2019 policy and introduced EV choices, including the Tata Tigor EV, in Categories D and E. The latest changes make electric models available for certain field inspection and enforcement duties, although the policy also retains four-wheel-drive and pickup vehicles for specialised terrain and work requirements.
All vehicles must be purchased through the government e-Marketplace, or GeM, at prevailing market prices. Purchases outside the prescribed categories require justification and approval from the competent authority, along with prior government approval as stipulated under the policy. This procurement condition keeps vehicle selection within a defined administrative and purchasing framework.
The revision places operational need at the centre of government fleet decisions while adding further EV choices to the state’s procurement system. Its immediate implementation will depend on departments matching eligible officers and duties with the prescribed categories and following the approval and GeM purchasing requirements.
