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 commando, who got disabled after suffering injuries in an operation, was traveling through the toll plaza when he was stopped and asked to pay the toll fee. What’s even more surprising is that he wasn’t asked to pay toll at earlier plazas, raising questions about the consistency of toll fee exemption policies for disabled war heroes.
The commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that he was shocked and disappointed when he was asked to pay the toll fee despite showing his documents of exemption. He said that he had been traveling through various toll plazas in the past and had never been asked to pay the toll fee before. “I was surprised when the toll attendant asked me to pay the toll fee. I showed him my documents, including my disability certificate and my Army identity card, but he refused to exempt me from paying the toll,” he said.
The commando’s experience has raised questions about the implementation of toll fee exemption policies for disabled war heroes. While the government has announced various schemes and policies to support disabled war heroes, the implementation of these policies seems to be inconsistent. The commando’s experience is not an isolated incident, and there have been several reports of disabled war heroes being asked to pay toll fees despite being exempt.
In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has clarified that toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty. “The toll fee exemption is applicable only to serving Army personnel who are traveling on official duty. The exemption is not applicable to retired or disabled Army personnel, even if they are traveling for medical treatment or other purposes,” said an NHAI spokesperson.
The NHAI’s response has sparked a debate about the need to extend toll fee exemption to disabled war heroes. Many have argued that disabled war heroes, who have made sacrifices for the country, should be exempt from paying toll fees as a mark of respect and gratitude. Others have pointed out that the government should provide more support and benefits to disabled war heroes, including exemption from toll fees.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and sensitization about the issues faced by disabled war heroes. Many disabled war heroes face difficulties in accessing basic services and benefits, including healthcare and transportation. The government and other stakeholders need to work together to address these issues and provide more support and benefits to disabled war heroes.
In recent years, there have been several initiatives to support disabled war heroes, including the launch of schemes to provide them with jobs, education, and healthcare. However, more needs to be done to address the issues faced by disabled war heroes. The government and other stakeholders need to work together to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for disabled war heroes.
The incident at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, is a reminder of the need to extend toll fee exemption to disabled war heroes. The NHAI’s response has sparked a debate about the need to provide more support and benefits to disabled war heroes. As the country continues to debate about the issues faced by disabled war heroes, it is essential to remember the sacrifices they have made for the country.
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, highlights the need for greater awareness and sensitization about the issues faced by disabled war heroes. The government and other stakeholders need to work together to address these issues and provide more support and benefits to disabled war heroes. The NHAI’s response has sparked a debate about the need to extend toll fee exemption to disabled war heroes, and it is essential to continue this debate to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for disabled war heroes.
Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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