One-time discount scheme for pending challans ends; TS collects Rs 303 Cr

Hyderabad: The state-wide one-time discount for pending challans came to an end on April 15. The initiative began on March 1. As part of the initiative, over 3 crore challans whose actual penalties amounted to almost Rs 1004 crores were cleared by the motorists. The state collected Rs 303 crores.

Hyderabad Traffic Police Joint Director A V Ranganath said more than 65% of vehicle owners cleared their challans in the Hyderabad Commissionerate.

"Hyderabad Commissionerate has recorded the highest collections. Most challans have been cleared in the entire state. I am happy that so many people came forward and cleared their long-due challans. Henceforth, we will be strict. If any vehicle owner has a pending challan, we will ensure that he pays it as soon as possible," he said.

60% of motor vehicle owners across the state have taken advantage of this opportunity.

According to the Hyderabad traffic police, this move has been taken keeping in mind the serious economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, only Rachakonda and Hyderabad Traffic Police were partaking in the one-time discount initiative. However, the entire state decided to join the initiative at the last minute.

The initiative was originally scheduled to end on March 31 but was extended for 15 days. State Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali extended the deadline by 15 days.

On March 1, a whopping Rs. 5.5 crore was collected in Hyderabad tri-commissionerate area as part of the city police's 'one-time' discount initiative.

Ranganath said approximately 1,000 challans per minute were cleared on the first day. Over the years, the Hyderabad tri-commissionarate announced a pending challan amount of Rs 600 crores.

Discount as per the category of vehicle

-2 wheelers and autos: If 25% is paid, the remaining 75% pending Challans would be waived.

-Pushcarts and petty vendors (39b cases): if 20% is paid, the balance of 80% will be waived off.

-LMVs, Cars, Jeeps / Heavy Vehicles: if 50% is paid, the balance of 50% will be waived

-RTC drivers if paid 30% balance, 70% pending challan amount will be waived off.

Additionally, there is a 90% discount on challans raised for non-wearing of face masks during the pandemic and an 80% discount on challans issued for pushcarts.

For example, if an individual has an e-challan worth Rs 1000 pending (in the Hyderabad and Rachakonda traffic police purview) he will be required to pay 25% of the amount i.e Rs 250. Once the payment is made, the remaining amount will automatically be waived off.