- Pune law students took to the streets to protest the mandatory installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for vehicles registered before 2019.
- Many vehicle owners were reportedly unaware of the new regulation, leading to frustration among citizens.
- The protesters argued that since registration fees were already paid at the time of purchase, the government should cover the cost of the HSRP plates to ease the financial burden on vehicle owners.
- The lack of awareness about the HSRP rule has resulted in the emergence of an illegal market for registration plates in areas like Ghorpade Peth, Ambegaon, Malwadi, and Pune-Satara Road.
- Illegal vendors are selling fake number plates at inflated prices, with charges ranging from ₹600 for two-wheeler plates to ₹800 for car plates.
- Concerns have been raised about the lack of verification of vehicle documents by these unauthorized vendors, increasing the risk of fraudulent registrations.
- Under the current regulations in Maharashtra, vehicle owners are required to bear the cost of HSRP installation, with charges ranging from ₹450 plus 18% GST for two-wheelers to ₹745 plus 18% GST for all other vehicles.
- The Maharashtra Regional Transport Office (RTO) has set a deadline of April 30, 2025, for compliance with the HSRP mandate.
- The protesting students demanded government intervention to cover the expenses for HSRP installation and urged better public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the new regulation.
- With the deadline approaching, citizens are calling for government assistance with the cost of HSRP plates and stricter actions against unauthorized plate sellers operating in Pune.
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