Make e-challan permanent: Cops

More than seven months after introduction of the e-challan system to fine traffic offenders in the city, Mumbai Traffic Police (MTP) have now sent a proposal to Maharashtra state government to make the e-challan system permanent. In the proposal, police had stated that the pilot project of the system had been successful and had been lauded by the motorists as well. Therefore, it should become a permanent fine collection system.

The e-challan system was introduced in Mumbai in November 2016 as a pilot project for 18 months. While introducing it, police had claimed that all transactions would be cashless and violators would get the e-challan on their mobile phones. Neither the vehicle nor any documents would be confiscated as the record of the fine would be maintained.

While submitting the proposal to the state government, police had presented the report of the pilot project activity and had given the advantages, disadvantages, and also changes the system had brought in the functioning of the traffic police. In the proposal, the police also mentioned solutions for the problems that the system is facing.

Recently the government had also floated a tender to begin the e-challan system in 25 cities in the state. 

“The pilot project will end in December. Government would take a decision after reviewing our proposal,” said Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic).

Analysis

Replacement of the age-old ‘pavti’ (receipt) system has increased transparency and reduced bribery by reducing direct interaction between offenders and policemen. 
However, glitches in the system need to be fixed