By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Santosh Singh Parihar has alleged large-scale irregularities in the Central and State Governments’ ambitious “Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) and Panic Button Project”, demanding a high-level probe into what he described as a “multi-crore scam under the guise of women and child safety.”
Parihar said that despite over three years since the project’s launch, the installation of tracking devices in targeted vehicles has not met prescribed standards. Initiated in 2020 under the Nirbhaya Fund, the project aimed to enhance safety for women and school children, with BSNL entrusted to set up the Command and Control Centres. However, even after five years, these centres remain largely non-functional due to inadequate software, manpower, and technical infrastructure.
Serious irregularities
Parihar alleged that manufacturer Atlanta (run by Narula) was listed despite failing technical tests twice, allegedly due to internal recommendations and undue interference by vested interests within the department. While BSNL and its sub-agency Sensorise received work orders, no formal agreement was finalised until 2024. Nevertheless, large-scale collection and sales of tracking devices continued across the state.
Excessive charges on vehicle owners
Parihar claimed that the devices, priced at ₹8,200 on official websites, were sold for ₹10,000–₹11,000, and in some cases up to ₹16,000. Annual service charges, officially fixed at ₹1,416, were allegedly inflated to ₹9,000. He cited a Dainik Bhaskar sting operation exposing extortion of ₹3,000 per device.
Non-functional complaint system
Most Command Centres remain locked, with no active helpline, grievance portal, or functioning mobile app features such as geo-fencing or speed alerts.
Calling it not just a financial scam but a threat to women’s safety, Parihar demanded intervention by the CBI, ED, and CVC to investigate the alleged racket.
