Talcher: A dispute has erupted after a local labour leader accused the Talcher Transport Department of issuing a false challan. This is despite holding a valid driving licence. The incident has drawn criticism and raised questions about the department’s internal processes and accountability.
According to labour leader Anand Chandra Acharya, he was riding his motorcycle (registration number OD35B 4870) for an urgent errand when he was fined for not wearing a helmet. The penalty of ₹1,000 was understandable, he said. However, Acharya was shocked to discover that an additional ₹5,000 fine had been imposed on him. This was for allegedly not possessing a driving licence, even though his licence is valid until 2030.
Seeking clarification, Acharya visited the Talcher Transport Department office, where he reportedly received no satisfactory explanation from the concerned officials. Within just ten minutes of his inquiry, he claimed, his driving licence was cancelled without due notice or justification.
The labour leader also revealed that despite multiple attempts, he was unable to pay his legitimate no-helmet challan online. He alleged that the department’s system wrongfully blocked his payment due to the false licence violation.
“If my licence is valid till 2030, why was I fined and why was my licence cancelled? This is sheer administrative negligence,” Acharya questioned.
He urged senior transport authorities and the state transport minister to take strict action against the officials responsible for the irregularity. The case has sparked widespread debate among Talcher residents. Many of them voiced concerns about the possible misuse of the online challan system.
Citizens are now calling for greater transparency and digital accountability in the transport department. This is to prevent such incidents in the future.
