Maharashtra govt sets up panel on use of technology to collect e-challan in traffic violations

Mumbai: With rising complaints of traffic police using private mobile phones to issue e-challans for violation of traffic rules, the state govt on Wednesday formed a study group to make recommendations regarding the use of technology for e-challan collection and penal action for violation of traffic rules in the state. The 7-member committee is headed by additional chief secretary (ACS) home, Manisha Mhaiskar."The committee will study the methods used in other countries and states regarding technology-based measures and penal sanctions for e-challan recovery and to make recommendations to the govt and suggest policy matters. It will suggest measures to ensure that e-challans are not misused by the police in line with the goal of increasing revenue," a govt resolution (GR) said.The study group will submit a report within three months along with recommendations."During the discussion in the Legislative Council regarding taking action against officers/employees using private mobile phones while preparing e-challans for violation of traffic rules in the winter session in 2025, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that regarding the recovery of e-challans, the person will definitely be tracked using technology and will be punished severely," an official said."In this regard, the methods used in different countries or states will be studied. Also, to meet the goal of increasing revenue, it will be studied that e-challans will not be misused by the police; for this, a study group of senior-level officers will be formed. Accordingly, the matter of setting up a senior-level study group was under consideration," the official said.Officials said the traffic police prohibits officers from using private mobile phones for recording violations; fines must be issued via official e-challan machines. Motorists can contest incorrect fines, including those wrongly recorded via personal devices, through the online Maharashtra E-Challan Grievance system, by email or via the MahaTrafficApp.Fadnavis said in the Legislative Council that traffic police personnel in Maharashtra will be equipped with body-worn cameras (BWCs), and, on the lines of the Goa Police, only such cops can issue challans for violation of rules.