Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has demanded that the state government scrap the existing electronic challan (e-challan) system and restore physical challans for traffic violations, citing concerns over cyber fraud, digital payment risks and difficulties faced by ordinary motorists.
GPCC Media Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar said on Friday that while Congress supports strict enforcement of traffic rules and road safety measures, the mechanism for collecting fines should not expose citizens to confusion, harassment or financial risks.
Referring to the recent public notice issued by the Directorate of Transport advising citizens to verify their e-challan status and make payments only through authorised government portals, Panjikar said the advisory itself highlighted the potential for confusion among motorists.
He pointed out that fake messages, fraudulent payment links and impersonation of government authorities had become growing concerns, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to distinguish genuine communications from fraudulent ones.
“The burden of distinguishing genuine communications from fake ones should not be placed on ordinary motorists,” Panjikar said, adding that senior citizens and people unfamiliar with digital transactions could face particular difficulties.
He demanded that the government immediately withdraw the present e-challan mechanism and restore physical challans issued by authorised traffic police personnel.
According to Panjikar, physical challans would provide motorists with a clear record of the alleged violation, applicable penalty and details of the authorised enforcement officer, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
He also questioned who would be held responsible and how citizens would be compensated if they suffered financial losses through fraudulent communications circulated in the name of the Transport Department or Goa Police.
Panjikar further questioned whether adequate public awareness measures, grievance redressal mechanisms and accountability provisions had been put in place before promoting the digital system.
The Congress has also demanded clear accountability in cases of fraudulent e-challan communications, effective safeguards against technical errors and incorrect challans, and protection for motorists facing payment-related discrepancies.
Clarifying the party’s position, Panjikar said Congress was not opposing traffic law enforcement or the collection of legitimate penalties from violators.
“Road safety and traffic discipline are non-negotiable, but so are the safety and financial interests of the people,” he said, urging the government to adopt a transparent and citizen-friendly enforcement mechanism.
He maintained that traffic enforcement should protect public interest rather than create additional complications for motorists.
