Facing Backlash, Sikkim Issues SOPs for E-Challan Amid Public Outrage Over AI Traffic System
First Published: 6th April, 2025 12:04 IST
Effective April 10, no e-challan shall be auto-generated immediately in cases involving “document failure-based violations.”
In response to mounting public outrage and widespread criticism on social media over the issuance of allegedly false and unjustified e-challans through an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered system, the Sikkim Transport Department on Saturday issued a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at regulating the issuance of e-challans.
Local drivers and vehicle owners raised serious concerns over the issuance of false and unjustified e-challans. Many accused the AI-driven system of lacking accuracy and transparency, leading to undue penalties.
According to the office order released by the department, effective April 10, no e-challan shall be auto-generated immediately in cases involving “document failure-based violations.”
Instead, the system will first conduct multiple rounds of auto-verification with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) database. If any vehicle document is found expired or unavailable, the vehicle owner in Sikkim will receive a prior alert via SMS or WhatsApp.
The SOPs provide a 10-day window for owners to update their documents on the online VAHAN portal if valid records exist. Only upon failure to do so within the stipulated period will the system generate a formal e-challan.
In a significant step to restore public trust, the department also announced that any e-challan proven to be falsely generated by the AI cameras will be cancelled, and the vehicle owner will be compensated with double the penalty amount previously imposed.
The order also reiterated that the onus of ensuring accurate and updated documentation including mobile numbers rests with the vehicle owners.
This proactive step by the state government aims to bring more fairness and accountability to the use of AI in traffic enforcement.
Also Read: Sikkim: 12 Left-Out Communities in ST List Soon? What Did the High Level Committee Decide?
Also Watch:
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live ICMR-RMRC NE Transfers Indigenous CRISPR TB Test to Meril Diagnostics for Mass Production
30th April 2025
Live Tripartite Talks on Manipur District Creation Deferred, New Date Awaited
30th April 2025
Live Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Chairs High-Level Security Meeting in Imphal
30th April 2025
Live CM Lalduhoma Meets India Wine Producers Association, Discusses Setting Up Wine Industry in Mizoram
30th April 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Vice-Chancellor Of Sikkim University Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang Passes Away
He also held the ICIMOD-Mountain Chair and was globally recognised as the Kimchi Ambassador by the Government of South Korea.
29th April 2025
Sikkim: 126 Tourist Vehicles Leave Landslide-Hit Lachen Safely
This marks the complete evacuation of all tourists who were stuck in Lachen.
27th April 2025
Severe Landslides Disrupt North Sikkim: Hundreds of Tourists Stranded Amid Road Closures
Local police have urged tourists and hoteliers to remain at their places of stay until the roads are cleared and conditions stabilise.
25th April 2025
Sikkim’s Minor Girl Lured by Facebook Friend Traced to Mizoram
Without informing her family, the girl left home and travelled over 1,169 kms across states to reach Mizoram.
24th April 2025
Sikkim CM Tamang Charts Development Vision for Viksit Sikkim with Union Minister Scindia
Highlighting strategic priorities, CM Tamang emphasised the potential of the Chiwabhanjyang corridor as a gateway for cross-border trade with Eastern Nepal.
24th April 2025