Disabled War Hero Asked to Pay Toll Despite Showing Documents in K’taka, NHAI Responds
In a shocking incident, a disabled war hero, an ex-Para SF commando, was asked to pay toll at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, despite showing documents of exemption. The commando, who suffered injuries in an operation and got disabled, was traveling through the toll plaza when he was stopped and asked to pay the toll fee. This incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country.
According to the commando, he was not asked to pay toll at earlier plazas, but at the Sasthan toll plaza, he was stopped and asked to pay the fee. Despite showing his documents, including his disability certificate and exemption papers, the toll authorities refused to let him pass without paying the toll. This incident has left the commando feeling humiliated and disrespected.
The commando’s story is a testament to the sacrifices made by our armed forces personnel, who put their lives on the line to protect the country. Despite suffering injuries and getting disabled, they are still expected to pay toll fees, which is a stark contrast to the respect and admiration they deserve. The incident has also raised questions about the implementation of toll fee exemption policies for disabled war heroes.
In response to the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has stated that toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty. This response has sparked further outrage, with many questioning why disabled war heroes are not exempt from paying toll fees. The NHAI’s response seems to be a clear case of bureaucratic red tape, where the rules and regulations are more important than the welfare and respect of our disabled war heroes.
The incident has also highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive toll fee exemption policy for disabled war heroes. Currently, the policy only applies to serving Army personnel on official duty, leaving out disabled war heroes who are no longer in service. This is a glaring omission, considering the sacrifices made by these individuals and the respect they deserve.
The government and the NHAI need to revisit the toll fee exemption policy and make it more inclusive. Disabled war heroes should be exempt from paying toll fees, regardless of whether they are serving or not. This is the least that can be done to show respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. While they are hailed as heroes and their sacrifices are recognized, they often face difficulties and challenges in their daily lives. The incident at the Sasthan toll plaza is a stark reminder of the need for a more supportive and inclusive environment for disabled war heroes.
In conclusion, the incident at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, is a shocking reminder of the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive toll fee exemption policy for disabled war heroes. The NHAI’s response, which states that toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty, is a clear case of bureaucratic red tape. The government and the NHAI need to revisit the policy and make it more inclusive, exempting disabled war heroes from paying toll fees. This is the least that can be done to show respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.
As the country continues to debate the issue, one thing is clear – disabled war heroes deserve our respect, gratitude, and support. They have made sacrifices for the country, and it is our duty to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. The incident at the Sasthan toll plaza is a wake-up call, and it is time for the government and the NHAI to take action and make things right.
News Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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