PANAJI
In a measured response to the controversy surrounding the e-challan machines, the Goa Police on Tuesday emphasised that collected fine amounts are directed into the government treasury, but, if these are diverted into private accounts, appropriate action will follow.
The department has also admitted software lacunae. Reacting to The Goan’s news series, Director General of Police Jaspal Singh denied any loss to the exchequer. “Absolutely not a ‘scam’. Yes a software lacunae, but not a misuse. No loss to exchequer. On the contrary more prosecution but by an unentitled cop in zeal to enhance enforcement. A gap which can be rectified by software developer,” he posted on ‘X,’ formerly Twitter.
Further speaking to The Goan, he claimed that there’s a digital trail of challans issued while adding that since the software is developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for multiple States, “this shortcoming would be in all States.”
At a press conference subsequently held by Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Akshat Kaushal at Police Headquarters, the officer defended multiple log-ins, claiming that money is transferred into the government treasury.
“Even if there are multiple log-ins, the money will go into the government treasury. If by any chance, the money (fine amount) is diverted to any private account, necessary action will be taken,” the SP said.
He also went on to add that the department in collaboration with relevant agencies including the NIC is working on ‘2-3 components’ as this indicated the department's move to rectifying the ‘bug.’
“We are working on it. There are 2-3 components… There is an issue with the software… certain people who have forgotten to log out from their machines… We are also coordinating with NIC which developed the software. There will be a solution very soon,” he added.
While the department has not withdrawn the use of the machines, it has insisted on “making changes to make it more efficient, and work with relevant agencies for a long-lasting solution.”
Pertaining to yet another concern about unauthorised personnel handling the e-challan machines, the SP assured action ‘on a case-to-case basis.’
“If there is any such instance where machines have been misused, we will take necessary departmental action depending on case to case,” he said.
The Goan, in its reports along with a photograph, highlighted how personnel below the rank of Assistant Sub Inspectors are using the e-challan machines, which meant that their higher ups' log ins were in use.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Department has maintained that their officials have been keeping a strict vigil on drunk driving assuring that violators are being penalised.
