Punjab to be first to e-challan traffic violators

Punjab is all set to become the first state to introduce an electronic system that will enable the transport department to fine traffic violators from next month.

Under the new scheme, district transport officers will get a hand held device connected to the central server of the transport department, which will automatically calculate the fine. It will also give the offender the option to either pay the fine through credit/debit card or by cash. The challan money will be deposited in the state treasury on the same day .

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, after reviewing the new model of e-challan, said: "The new system will help in doing away with discretion of imposing fine that breeds corruption."

Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar said the department will soon add 500 new buses, including 300 under Punbus and 200 under PRTC.

While asking the department to make every bus profitable, Sukhbir said: "Each bus should be allotted a specific number and its profit and loss account, income, expenditure, maintenance should be calculated individually. Chronic loss making buses should be identified and suitable corrective actions taken."

Seeking a monthly report on the performance of every depot, Sukhbir said that each manager will get two months to improve the working of his depot, otherwise, he will be shunted out. "There is no scope for lethargy and inefficiency in the department. It has to run efficiently, like a corporate body," said Sukhbir.

Stressing the need to introduce e-ticketing in all buses, Sukhbir said: "Leak of revenue has to be checked with an iron fist."

Expressing concern over reports of automobile dealers charging extra money from consumers for issuing registration certificates of vehicles, he asked all district transport officers to conduct surprise checks and spread awareness through the media.

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