The traffic cell announced that from 1st March 2025, cash payments will no longer be accepted for compounding traffic challans under the Motor Vehicle Act. Instead, all challans must be paid digitally. Payments can be made via two modes: scanning a QR code generated on the e-challan machine or using a direct payment link on the official website. While many may welcome this move, concerns remain.
Will corrupt officials find new ways to extort money from violators using the digital system? Some fear that online payments could still be misused to fill personal pockets. Another major issue is the impact on senior citizens and uneducated individuals who rely solely on cash transactions. Many do not have debit cards or the skills to navigate online payments, despite owning mobile phones. Will their vehicles be seized simply because they cannot use digital payment methods? The government seems in a rush to implement such sudden changes.Going fully digital sounds good on paper, but is Goa truly prepared for it?
