Bhubaneswar, December 30: The Youth Congress has strongly criticized the Odisha government for imposing hefty fines on vehicles operating without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, despite an announced grace period.

At a press conference, Youth Congress state president Ranjit Patra accused the transport minister of offering a one-month extension (until January) for vehicle owners to secure valid PUC certificates to avoid penalties.

However, Patra claimed that authorities are still enforcing a minimum fine of Rs 10,000 on vehicles lacking the necessary certificates, disregarding the grace period.