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 was disabled after suffering injuries in an operation, was asked to pay toll. The commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that he was shocked and disappointed by the incident, especially since he had shown the toll booth attendant his documents, which clearly stated that he was exempt from paying toll.
The commando said that he had been traveling from one part of the country to another and had crossed several toll plazas before reaching the Sasthan toll plaza. However, he was not asked to pay toll at any of the previous plazas, as the attendants had recognized his exemption documents and allowed him to pass through without paying.
“I was surprised and disappointed when the attendant at the Sasthan toll plaza asked me to pay toll, despite showing him my documents,” the commando said. “I explained to him that I was a disabled war veteran and was exempt from paying toll, but he refused to listen. It was only after I called my commanding officer and got him to speak to the attendant that I was allowed to pass through without paying.”
The incident has sparked outrage among the public, with many taking to social media to express their anger and disappointment at the treatment meted out to the disabled war hero. Many have questioned the implementation of toll exemption policies for disabled war veterans, and have demanded that the authorities take action to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a statement, saying that toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty. “The exemption from paying toll is only applicable to serving Army personnel who are on official duty,” the NHAI said. “This exemption is not applicable to retired or disabled war veterans, who are required to pay toll like any other citizen.”
The NHAI’s response has been criticized by many, who argue that disabled war veterans should be exempt from paying toll, regardless of whether they are serving or retired. “Disabled war veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and it is only fitting that they are exempt from paying toll,” said a social media user. “The NHAI’s response is disappointing and shows a lack of respect for the sacrifices made by our war heroes.”
The incident has also raised questions about the implementation of toll exemption policies for disabled war veterans. While the NHAI has stated that toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty, many argue that this policy is unfair and discriminatory. “Disabled war veterans are entitled to the same respect and benefits as serving Army personnel,” said another social media user. “It is high time that the authorities review their policies and ensure that disabled war veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, has highlighted the need for a review of toll exemption policies for disabled war veterans. While the NHAI has stated that toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty, many argue that this policy is unfair and discriminatory. It is high time that the authorities take action to ensure that disabled war veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, and are exempt from paying toll, regardless of whether they are serving or retired.
News Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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