Pune Law Students Protest HSRP Mandate, Demand Government-Funded Plates Amid High Costs and Low Awareness

Pune, February 19: A group of law students staged a protest at Gopal Krushna Gokhale Chowk on Wednesday, opposing the mandatory installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for vehicles registered before 2019. The demonstrators aimed to raise public awareness about the rule, which many vehicle owners were reportedly unaware of.

The Central Government has mandated that all vehicles sold before 2019 must be equipped with HSRP, requiring owners to bear the cost of these new plates. Protesters argued that since registration fees had already been paid at the time of purchase, the government should cover the cost of the HSRPs.

Lack of Awareness and Rising Black Market

The protest highlighted a significant lack of awareness among vehicle owners regarding the new regulation. Many citizens expressed that they had not been informed adequately, which has resulted in the rise of an illegal market for registration plates in Pune. Unauthorized vendors are reportedly selling fake number plates at inflated prices in areas such as Ghorpade Peth, Ambegaon, Malwadi, and Pune-Satara Road.

According to reports, illegal sellers are charging:

• ₹600 for two-wheeler plates
• ₹800 for car plates

Concerns have been raised that these vendors do not verify vehicle documents before issuing plates, increasing the risk of fraudulent registrations.

Cost of HSRP Plates in Maharashtra

As per the regulation, vehicle owners in Maharashtra must bear the cost of HSRP installation, with the following charges applicable:

• ₹450 plus 18% GST for two-wheelers and tractors
• ₹500 plus 18% GST for three-wheelers
• ₹745 plus 18% GST for all other vehicles

The Maharashtra Regional Transport Office (RTO) has set a deadline of April 30, 2025, for compliance.

Students Demand Government Intervention

The protesting students, led by Akshay Kumthekar, urged the government to cover the expenses for HSRP installation instead of burdening vehicle owners. They called on either the Central or State Government to step in and provide free HSRP installation for the public.

With the deadline approaching, citizens are demanding better public awareness initiatives, government assistance for the cost, and strict action against unauthorized plate sellers operating in Pune.