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 exempt him from paying the fee. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the treatment of disabled veterans in the country.
The ex-Para SF commando, who suffered injuries during an operation and was left disabled, was traveling through the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, when he was asked to pay the toll fee. Despite showing documents that proved his exemption from paying the toll, the toll booth attendant insisted that he pay the fee.
What’s even more surprising is that the war hero was not asked to pay the toll at earlier plazas, which suggests that there may be a lack of awareness or consistency in the implementation of the toll exemption policy.
The incident came to light when the war hero shared his experience on social media, which quickly went viral and caught the attention of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In response to the incident, NHAI issued a statement clarifying the toll fee exemption policy for disabled war heroes.
According to NHAI, “Toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty.” This statement has raised more questions than answers, as it appears to suggest that disabled war heroes who are no longer serving in the Army are not exempt from paying toll fees, even if they have been injured in the line of duty.
The incident has sparked outrage among many, who feel that disabled war heroes should be treated with more respect and dignity. Many have taken to social media to express their support for the war hero and to demand that the government take action to ensure that disabled veterans are treated fairly.
The issue of toll fee exemption for disabled war heroes is not a new one, and there have been several instances in the past where veterans have been asked to pay toll fees despite being exempt. The incident highlights the need for greater awareness and consistency in the implementation of the toll exemption policy, as well as the need for greater respect and support for disabled veterans.
The government has introduced several schemes and policies to support disabled veterans, including the provision of disability pension, medical benefits, and rehabilitation services. However, more needs to be done to ensure that disabled veterans are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the sacrifices made by disabled war heroes, and efforts have been made to provide them with greater support and benefits. However, incidents like the one at the Sasthan toll plaza in Karnataka suggest that there is still much work to be done to ensure that disabled veterans are treated fairly and with respect.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and education among toll booth attendants and other officials about the toll exemption policy for disabled war heroes. It is essential that officials are aware of the policy and are able to implement it consistently and fairly.
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza in Karnataka is a shocking reminder of the challenges faced by disabled war heroes in India. While the government has introduced several schemes and policies to support disabled veterans, more needs to be done to ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. The NHAI’s response to the incident has raised more questions than answers, and it is essential that the government takes action to clarify the toll fee exemption policy for disabled war heroes and to ensure that it is implemented consistently and fairly.
As the debate over the incident continues, one thing is clear: disabled war heroes deserve our respect, dignity, and support. They have made immense sacrifices for the country, and it is our duty to ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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