Imposition of Model Code of Conduct has proved boon for the state exchequer when it comes to penalising vehicles. According to election commission the state government has received Rs 17.27 crore as fine after taking action on 1.44 lakh vehicles for violating norms. State government machinery came into election mode from January 20 with the setting up of its call centre. Over Rs 17.27 crore have been collected in fines from the erring commuters under the Motor Vehicle Act till April 20 till date.
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Action was taken against 39,884 vehicles for putting unauthorised sirens, hooters and number plates on their vehicles. The count also includes vehicles with poster or banners without permission. Highest numbers of vehicles, 5905, under this category were from Dhar district with 5351 vehicles in Jabalpur and 2941in Ujjain district. In Bhopal action was taken against 2584 vehicles. A fine of Rs 2.41 crore was realised from vehicles for violation of norms.
However, when action taken on vehicles including all categories (as categorised by the election commission) maximum number of vehicles, 22,598 , were from Jabalpur. In Dhar district action was taken against 16,554 vehicles and in Seoni against 11,406 vehicles. The biggest revenue generator for the state exchequer was Seoni district that contributed Rs 1.62 crore as fine on vehicles. Rich in mining, Katni district too contributed Rs 1.40 crore and Rs 1.23 crore were collected from Jabalpur.
The information compiled by the transport commissioner officer, also states that police took action against the vehicles that were modified without permission. Over, 2734 vehicles were fined under this category. Shivpuri district had 338, highest number of vehicles modified without permission. Mandsaur district had 279 vehicles while Narsinghpur had 162 vehicles fined for modification without permission from appropriate authorities. Overall Rs 32,76,080 was received as fine under this category.
An official requesting anonymity commented that such kind of police action should continue throughout and not only during implementation of poll code. This will help filling up of government coffers, besides deterring the offenders, he added.