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 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 disabled war veterans in the country.
The incident occurred at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, where the ex-Para SF commando, who wishes to remain anonymous, was traveling. The commando, who got disabled after suffering injuries in an operation, was shocked when the toll attendant asked him to pay the toll fee, despite showing his documents that clearly stated his exemption from paying the toll.
The commando, who had earlier crossed several toll plazas without being asked to pay the fee, was taken aback by the attendant’s demand. He showed his documents, including his disability certificate and his identity proof, but the attendant refused to budge. The commando was forced to pay the toll fee, which he felt was unfair and humiliating.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many people taking to social media to express their anger and disappointment. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also responded to the incident, stating that the toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty.
According to the NHAI, the exemption from paying toll fees is granted to serving Army personnel who are traveling on official duty, and not to disabled war veterans. The NHAI stated that the exemption is granted as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and that the toll attendants are not authorized to grant exemption to anyone without proper documentation.
However, the commando’s experience has raised questions about the implementation of the exemption policy. If the commando had crossed several toll plazas without being asked to pay the fee, why was he asked to pay at the Sasthan toll plaza? Was the attendant not aware of the exemption policy, or was there a lapse in communication?
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards disabled war veterans. These individuals have made immense sacrifices for the country, and it is our duty to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. The government and the NHAI must take steps to ensure that the exemption policy is implemented uniformly across all toll plazas, and that disabled war veterans are not harassed or humiliated.
The NHAI’s response to the incident has been met with criticism, with many people feeling that the authority has not done enough to address the issue. The NHAI must take concrete steps to ensure that the exemption policy is implemented correctly, and that disabled war veterans are not asked to pay toll fees.
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza is a shameful reflection of our society’s attitude towards disabled war veterans. These individuals have made immense sacrifices for the country, and it is our duty to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. The government and the NHAI must take steps to ensure that the exemption policy is implemented uniformly across all toll plazas, and that disabled war veterans are not harassed or humiliated.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of disabled war veterans in the country. It is time for us to come together and demand that our government and authorities take concrete steps to address the issues faced by these brave individuals. We owe it to them to ensure that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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