Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Approves Rs 120 Crore to Settle Bengaluru Traffic Fine Discount Dues

In a significant move that brings closure to a lingering financial issue, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given the green light to release a substantial sum of Rs 120 crore. This allocation is specifically designated to clear the long-pending dues from Bengaluru’s immensely popular 50% traffic fine discount scheme, which had offered citizens a golden opportunity to settle their accumulated penalties at half the cost.

The much-talked-about scheme, implemented from February 3 to February 11, 2023, was an unprecedented success.

It provided a one-time relief to motorists across Bengaluru, allowing them to pay just 50% of their outstanding traffic fines. The response was overwhelming, with citizens flocking to traffic management centers and online portals, eager to clear their records. During its brief nine-day run, the initiative saw a staggering 40 lakh cases cleared, leading to the collection of a remarkable Rs 123.6 crore in revenue for the state exchequer.

However, despite its operational success and the significant revenue generated, a financial shadow loomed over the scheme.

The previous BJP government, which had initially announced and implemented the discount offer, had failed to release the necessary funds to cover the discounts. This created a considerable financial backlog, turning the highly beneficial public initiative into a point of contention within governmental circles and becoming a topic of discussion during legislative sessions.

Now, under the leadership of CM Siddaramaiah, the current Congress government has stepped in to rectify this oversight.

The approval of Rs 120 crore demonstrates a commitment to honouring the commitments made under the scheme and ensuring that the financial aspects are properly managed. This decision not only settles the outstanding dues but also reinforces trust in public initiatives, ensuring that such popular programs are backed by complete financial transparency and follow-through.

The discount scheme itself was comprehensive, covering a wide array of traffic violations.

From common infractions like jumping signals, not wearing helmets for two-wheeler riders, and failing to use seatbelts in cars, to fines issued for violations by buses and trucks, the scheme offered relief across the board. The clearance of these dues is a welcome development, signaling an end to the administrative ambiguity surrounding a program that significantly impacted millions of Bengaluru residents.