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 treatment of veterans who have made sacrifices for the country. The ex-Para SF commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, was traveling through the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, when he was stopped and asked to pay the toll.
According to the war hero, he had shown the toll booth attendant his documents, which included his disability certificate and a letter from the Ministry of Defence, exempting him from paying toll fees. However, the attendant allegedly refused to accept the documents and demanded that he pay the toll. The war hero claimed that he was not asked to pay toll at earlier plazas, and this was the first time he had encountered such a problem.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with many people taking to social media to express their outrage and disappointment. The war hero’s story has also sparked a debate about the treatment of veterans and the need for greater recognition and respect for their sacrifices. In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a statement clarifying its policy on toll fee exemption for army personnel.
According to NHAI, “Toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty.” This means that veterans, including those who have been disabled in the line of duty, are not exempt from paying toll fees. The NHAI statement has been met with criticism, with many arguing that it is unfair to expect veterans to pay toll fees, especially those who have made significant sacrifices for the country.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of the issues faced by veterans. Many veterans face significant challenges in their daily lives, including disability, unemployment, and social isolation. The incident at the Sasthan toll plaza is a reminder that veterans deserve greater respect and recognition, and that their sacrifices should not be forgotten.
In recent years, there have been several incidents of veterans being mistreated or disrespected, including being asked to pay toll fees or being denied access to public facilities. These incidents have sparked outrage and raised questions about the treatment of veterans and the need for greater recognition and respect for their sacrifices.
The government has introduced several schemes and initiatives to support veterans, including the provision of disability pensions, medical care, and employment opportunities. However, more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by veterans and to ensure that they receive the respect and recognition they deserve.
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza is a reminder of the need for greater awareness and understanding of the issues faced by veterans. The NHAI statement has sparked controversy, and it is clear that more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by veterans. The government and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that veterans receive the respect and recognition they deserve, and that their sacrifices are not forgotten.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater clarity and consistency in the application of toll fee exemption policies. The NHAI statement has raised questions about the criteria for exemption, and it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that veterans are not unfairly disadvantaged.
As the country continues to debate the issues faced by veterans, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the challenges they face. The incident at the Sasthan toll plaza is a reminder that veterans deserve greater respect and recognition, and that their sacrifices should not be forgotten.
Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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