India tackles police corruption with cashless fines

Hyderabad Police have introduced a new system for issuing traffic violation fines which, they say, will improve transparency.

Called “Cashless Enforcement in Traffic Management”, the new initiative scraps on-the-spot cash payments, instead issuing e-tickets to those at fault and requiring that they pay their fines online, at special booths or through post offices.

Director General of Police Anurag Sharma said that the new technology will not only act as a “force enhancer” but will also give “satisfaction to people that whatever is being done is being done in a transparent manner.”

Hyderabad Traffic Police is also utilising technology to enforce rules and improve safety of road users. The introduction of cashless enforcement is first-of-its-kind scheme in India,” he added.

Police forces in India have repeatedly come under fire for alleged corruption, and paying bribes to traffic officers is endemic. The country has made efforts to curb the practice, but problems often run through institutional hierarchies and are fuelled by low wages.

 

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