n an ironical situation, Goa Police Department has notified the much-adored Traffic Sentinel scheme, where common man can now become a law enforcer one year after its implementation.
The year of Traffic Sentinel Scheme saw several people being booked and fined for the violations as a result of an encouraging response from the Sentinels. But the actual notification has come after it was introduced and three prize distribution functions held. Dignitaries like Governor Mridula Sinha and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar were part of the prize distribution for the Sentinels, the scheme which was then not even notified. Parrikar had in fact graced the first prize distribution ceremony at police head quarters while Governor handed over rewards in the latest event.
In a flashback, disturbed by significant rise in fatal and grievous accidents on the road, Director General of Police Muktesh Chander proposed the initiative in Goa, replicated from his very own scheme started in Delhi as the Traffic Police Commissioner.
Much publicity has been given to this scheme as well as huge amount is spent on it, much before the scheme was finally made legal through a notification released on Friday.
Information with Herald reveals that after its launch on November 10, 2017, the Goa Police had made a supplementary budgetary proposal of around Rs one crore which was granted by Parrikar-led coalition government. During the last one year, three prize distribution ceremonies have taken place. In the recent one, a car and a two-wheeler was handed over to two lucky Sentinels.
Although the police claim that both the hefty gifts were sponsored by the respective companies, the scheme has also cash awards estimating to Rs 38 lakh. Out of the total, some has already been disbursed while the remaining is in the pipeline.
While the glory around the scheme refuses to die down, the legality of the scheme is now a question also considering that without the notification, many cases have been referred to the court for nonpayment of fine amount.
“More than 100 cases have already been referred to the court for action as these violators have not paid the fine amount imposed towards the violation reported by the Traffic Sentinel,” deputy superintendent (Traffic) police Dharmesh Angle said.
“If the owner of the violating vehicle fails to compound the case within seven days of the receipt of the notice, the case is sent to the court of law,” another officer said adding that a mechanism is in place to record those who have failed to compound the case.
There have also been instances wherein a violator has challenged the notice issued to him/her before the Traffic Department. The challans were issued based on the offense reported by a traffic sentinel. The instance led the department to modify its approach and attach evidence with the notices. “Some violators challenged the notices before my office (traffic department) asking to show the proof of violation. We would show them the photograph/video. We then decided to fix the evidence along with the notice,” the DySP said.
During this period various changes to the scheme are made, also including the recent move to replace the WhatsApp number with an App. Interestingly, the WhatsApp number 7875756110 which is now ceased to be operational continues to be functional at least as per the government gazette.
Ironically, while the App that has already has more than 2,100 downloads within a week of its launch; as per the notification, it is yet to be operational. “The violation shall be reported on WhatsApp No 7875756110. The Traffic Sentinel Scheme will be automated by developing a ‘Mobile Application’ (“App”) for reporting of violations by the Traffic Sentinels and ‘Web Application’ for management of Scheme in the due course. Once the App is made operational, it will be available on “Play Store” (a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google) and the WhatsApp Number shall cease to be operational. All Traffic Sentinels enrolled under the scheme shall download the “App” from the “Play Store” and upload the violations noticed by them through the App,” the notification states.
The year-old Traffic Sentinel Scheme has gained recognition than any other community initiative by the State police and the intention was definitely for the welfare of the people. The brain behind starting the scheme, DGP Muktesh Chander had received a go ahead from the government to implement the scheme, a claim repeatedly made by the department.
Unarguably, the scheme has created fear amongst the commuters against committing any violation; however some still dare to challenge the law. The scheme has largely contributed to reducing accidents and has several people including public servants as Sentinels. “There has been a decline in (traffic related) deaths and traffic sentinels have largely contributed to it. Through the scheme, we want to ensure that challans imposed on violators reminds the latter that life is important,” Chander was quoted as saying during the recent prize distribution ceremony.
Owing to increasing deaths, Chander said he decided to replicate the Delhi model of Traffic Sentinel to contribute towards reducing accidents and ensure discipline on the roads. “The photo/video with clear view of the registration number of the defaulting vehicle, time & date of violation, place of violation and type of violation needs to be informed to report a traffic violation. A total of 10 types of violations can be reported through this scheme,” the officer said.
The type of violations includes driving against the flow of traffic (10 points), parking of footpath/zebra crossing (3), triple riding (10), improper number plate (3), without seat belt (7), without helmet (7), using vehicle with tinted glass (3), red light jumping (10), dangerous driving (10), using mobile while driving (10). Reporting these different grave violations will fetch the volunteer reward points and once he/she accumulates 100 points, the department will offer cash prize of Rs 1,000.
