India, May 28 -- The BMC standing committee on Wednesday rejected a proposal to procure 22 Scorpio-N SUVs for assistant municipal commissioners and directed the civic administration to submit a fresh proposal for electric vehicles (EVs) instead, citing the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The civic body had proposed hiring 22 Scorpio-N Z6 vehicles on a five-year wet lease at a cost of Rs.6.16 crore. Under the arrangement, the BMC would provide drivers and bear fuel expenses, while the contractor would handle repairs and maintenance.

The proposal was sent back after BJP corporator Rajashree Shirwadkar objected to the move, stating that the BMC should align its policies with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for cleaner and su...