Disabled War Hero Asked to Pay Toll Despite Showing Documents in K’taka, NHAI Responds
In a shocking incident, a disabled war hero, an ex-Para SF commando, was asked to pay toll at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, despite showing documents of exemption. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. The commando, who suffered injuries in an operation and was subsequently disabled, claimed that he was not asked to pay toll at earlier plazas, but was asked to pay at the Sasthan toll plaza.
The commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that he was traveling from one place to another when he was stopped at the Sasthan toll plaza. He showed his documents, including his disability certificate and exemption certificate, to the toll attendant, but was still asked to pay the toll fee. The commando said that he was surprised and disappointed by the attendant’s behavior, as he had not been asked to pay toll at any of the previous plazas he had crossed.
“I was traveling from one place to another, and when I reached the Sasthan toll plaza, I was stopped by the attendant,” the commando said. “I showed him my documents, including my disability certificate and exemption certificate, but he still asked me to pay the toll fee. I was surprised and disappointed, as I had not been asked to pay toll at any of the previous plazas I had crossed.”
The commando’s exemption certificate is issued by the government, which exempts him from paying toll fees at all toll plazas across the country. However, the attendant at the Sasthan toll plaza seemed unaware of this exemption, and asked the commando to pay the toll fee despite showing his documents.
In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that the toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty. “The toll fee exemption is only for serving Army personnel who are on official duty,” an NHAI spokesperson said. “It does not apply to retired or disabled Army personnel, even if they have an exemption certificate.”
The NHAI’s response has sparked outrage, with many questioning why disabled war heroes are not exempt from paying toll fees. “It is unfortunate that disabled war heroes are not exempt from paying toll fees,” said a retired Army officer. “These heroes have sacrificed their lives and limbs for the country, and it is the least we can do to exempt them from paying toll fees.”
The incident has also raised questions about the awareness of toll attendants about the exemption certificates issued to disabled war heroes. “It is surprising that the toll attendant at the Sasthan toll plaza was not aware of the exemption certificate issued to the commando,” said a social activist. “It is the responsibility of the NHAI to ensure that toll attendants are aware of the exemption certificates and do not harass disabled war heroes.”
The incident has sparked a debate about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. While the government has introduced several schemes and initiatives to support disabled war heroes, incidents like these highlight the need for more awareness and sensitivity towards these heroes.
In conclusion, the incident of a disabled war hero being asked to pay toll despite showing documents of exemption is a shameful incident that highlights the need for more awareness and sensitivity towards disabled war heroes. The NHAI’s response that the toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty is not acceptable, and the government needs to take immediate action to exempt disabled war heroes from paying toll fees.
Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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