This could as well be taken as an example of how an institution can be forced to become more accountable and more transparent. The recent decision of Hyderabad traffic police to open a Facebook page was meant to establish a communication channel with motorists, but it turned out to be something else now.
And like a juggernaut that was set to roll, there is no stopping of a relentless and unforgiving scrutiny of the traffic violations by fellow road users, actions of traffic police and other civil departments by the netizens of Hyderabad. Nothing seems to escape the attention of the self-appointed traffic vigilantes, who put the electronic eyes on their mobile phones, to the maximum use.
With irrefutable evidences of violations being posted on Facebook, traffic police began sending echallans to violators. The only condition is that the picture posted should mention the date, time and location of the violation being reported along with a clear photograph to be uploaded on the Facebook page ( >www.facebook.com/#!/HYDTP ).
It's not just the traffic violations. The 8,623 Facebook users who ‘liked' the traffic police page have been voicing their angst over deteriorating civic conditions, pollution in city, a variety of grievances pertaining to RTA and other departments too.
“The response is bewildering. We cannot possibly reply to every posting. But we are trying to identify issues being highlighted and act immediately if it is in our purview,” says C.V. Anand, Additional CP, Traffic, the man responsible for starting the Facebook page.
His subordinates, however, are not very happy with the surge in civilian information that raised the levels of accountability. They are obviously more worried because any inadequacy in timely response to the issues highlighted would attract severe criticism. “We will not be able to handle this. It's an additional headache for us. People are using foul language against us,” these were some of the reactions of the traffic authorities aired at a meeting called to discuss the Facebook page issues recently.
Opportunity provided
“I feel Facebook has provided us an opportunity to identify the issues people are most concerned. It is certainly helping us to prioritise our work,” concedes Mr. Anand. But the biggest problem is that of not being able to spare men to keep a watch on Facebook and reply to suggestions, queries and complaints. The use of foul language does upset the traffic cops, but they are now learning to take it in their stride. “Not all use foul language, but whenever someone does, other facebook users chide them. It's a good sign.”
But isn't it a bit disconcerting when someone bluntly accuses police of being corrupt? “Yes. It is. And we do initiate action based on genuine complaints. The brighter side of it is the reaslisation among policemen that they do have to become more accountable for their actions because of the new facility provided to the people. And now we have this person who uses the nom de guerre of Anna Hazare on facebook. On Friday, this Hyderabadi Anna Hazare posted 17 pictures of vehicles with faulty number plates, including a vehicle owned by an MP. Let's see whether the traffic police chief issues a challan for MP's vehicle?
