Sikkim revises AI E-Challan System, issues SOPs amid outrage

Guwahati: The Sikkim Transport Department on Saturday issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to regulate its AI-powered e-challan system amidst the public outrage and widespread criticism over the issuance of allegedly false and unjustified e-challans.

According to the department's order, it stated that, the department issued the SOPs, following the local drivers and vehicle owners' concerns over the issuance of false and unjustified e-challans.

"Effective April 10, the system will not generate e-challan immediately in cases involving “document failure-based violations," the order stated.

It further stated that the system will now conduct multiple auto-verifications with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) database before issuing an e-challan.

The system will send a prior alert to the vehicle owners in Sikkim via SMS or WhatsApp if the department finds their vehicle documents expired or unavailable", it said.

Moreover, the order asserted that the SOPs provide a 10-day window for owners to update their documents on the online VAHAN portal if valid records exist. The system will generate a formal e-challan only after the 10-day window expires.

"If AI cameras falsely generate an e-challan, the department will cancel it and compensate vehicle owners with double the penalty," the order added.