Disabled war hero asked to pay toll despite showing documents in K’taka, NHAI responds
In a shocking incident, a disabled war hero was asked to pay toll at a plaza in Karnataka, despite showing documents that exempted him from paying the fee. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the implementation of toll exemption policies for disabled war veterans.
The incident occurred at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, where an ex-Para SF commando, who got disabled after suffering injuries in an operation, was asked to pay the toll fee. The commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that he was surprised when the toll attendant asked him to pay the fee, despite showing his documents that clearly stated his exemption from paying toll.
The commando said that he had traveled through several toll plazas earlier, but was not asked to pay the fee at any of them. “I have been traveling through various toll plazas, and this is the first time I was asked to pay the toll fee, despite showing my documents,” he said. “I showed them my disability certificate, my army identity card, and my exemption certificate, but they still asked me to pay the fee.”
The commando’s experience has highlighted the inconsistencies in the implementation of toll exemption policies for disabled war veterans. While the government has exempted disabled war veterans from paying toll fees, the implementation of this policy seems to be patchy and inconsistent.
In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said that the toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty. “The exemption from paying toll fee is only for serving Army personnel who are on official duty,” said an NHAI spokesperson. “The exemption does not apply to retired or disabled Army personnel, even if they are traveling for official purposes.”
The NHAI’s response has sparked outrage among many, who feel that the policy is unfair and discriminatory. “It’s shocking that the NHAI is discriminating against disabled war veterans,” said a social activist. “These individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country, and it’s the least we can do to exempt them from paying toll fees.”
The incident has also raised questions about the need for a more comprehensive and consistent policy on toll exemption for disabled war veterans. While the government has exempted disabled war veterans from paying toll fees, the implementation of this policy seems to be inconsistent and patchy.
Many have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment at the NHAI’s response. “This is a shameful incident, and the NHAI should apologize for their mistake,” said one Twitter user. “Disabled war veterans deserve our respect and gratitude, not discrimination and harassment.”
The incident has also sparked a debate about the need for a more comprehensive and consistent policy on toll exemption for disabled war veterans. While the government has exempted disabled war veterans from paying toll fees, the implementation of this policy seems to be inconsistent and patchy.
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, has highlighted the inconsistencies in the implementation of toll exemption policies for disabled war veterans. The NHAI’s response has sparked outrage and raised questions about the need for a more comprehensive and consistent policy on toll exemption for disabled war veterans. It’s time for the government to take a relook at the policy and ensure that disabled war veterans are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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