Disabled war hero asked to pay toll despite showing documents in K’taka, NHAI responds
In a shocking incident, a disabled war hero, who had served the country with valor, was asked to pay toll at a toll plaza in 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 ex-Para SF commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that he was traveling through the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, when he was asked to pay the toll fee. Despite showing his documents, which clearly stated that he was exempt from paying toll, the toll collector insisted that he pay the fee. The commando, who was disabled after suffering injuries in an operation, was taken aback by the incident and felt humiliated.
What’s even more surprising is that the commando said that he wasn’t asked to pay toll at earlier plazas. “I had traveled through several toll plazas before reaching Sasthan, and at none of those plazas was I asked to pay the toll fee,” he said. “It was only at the Sasthan toll plaza that I was asked to pay, despite showing my documents.”
The incident has raised questions about the implementation of toll fee exemption for disabled war heroes. The commando said that he had all the necessary documents, including his disability certificate and his identity card, which clearly stated that he was exempt from paying toll. “I showed all my documents to the toll collector, but he still insisted that I pay the fee,” he said.
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 exemption from toll fee is only for serving Army personnel who are on official duty,” said an NHAI spokesperson. “It does not apply to retired or disabled personnel, even if they have served the country with valor.”
The NHAI’s response has sparked outrage, with many questioning why disabled war heroes should be treated differently. “It’s a shame that our country treats its disabled war heroes in such a way,” said a social media user. “These heroes have given their all for the country, and it’s the least we can do to give them some respect and dignity.”
The incident has also raised questions about the implementation of policies for disabled war heroes. The government has introduced several schemes and policies to support disabled war heroes, including the provision of disability pension and other benefits. However, the implementation of these policies often leaves much to be desired.
The commando said that he had faced several difficulties in getting his disability pension and other benefits. “It took me several years to get my disability pension, and even then, it was a struggle,” he said. “The system is so bureaucratic and slow, and it’s a nightmare to navigate.”
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. Many have called for greater respect and dignity to be given to these heroes, who have given their all for the country. The government has also been urged to implement policies and schemes that support disabled war heroes, and to ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza in Karnataka is a shocking reminder of the treatment of disabled war heroes in our country. Despite showing documents of exemption, the commando was asked to pay toll, and the NHAI’s response has sparked outrage. The incident has raised questions about the implementation of policies for disabled war heroes, and has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of these heroes. It’s time for the government to take action and ensure that disabled war heroes are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
News Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
About the Author
