Stand And Salute Army Personnel Whenever They Pass, Orders NHAI To Toll-Operators

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has asked those who are manning toll gates to salute and give a standing ovation to army officials who pass by. Not only that, they asked only ‘senior officials’ to check the identity cards provided by the army men.

The highway authorities gave orders to all toll operators to train their staff into saluting and giving a standing ovation to army personnel to show them more respect when they pass by the toll plaza.

Why the directive?

The circular was issued after NHAI received complaints from armed forces personnel that the toll operators often use harsh and rude language while talking to them. According to law, army personnel on duty are exempt from paying the toll. The complaint alleged that while checking the identity cards, the toll staff becomes very rude and impatient.

“It is needless to emphasize that considering the extreme sacrifice of armed forces to the nation, in case of doubt with respect to nature of their official duty, the benefit of the doubt should be given appropriately to armed forces personnel,” the circular said, according to The Times of India.

NHAI chairman Deepak Kumar said, “Toll operators have been asked to provide behavioral training to their personnel to do so. Moreover, we are planning to provide this training with the help of tourism ministry and their hotel management institutions.”

This is not the first time that NHAI has passed directives to toll operators. Earlier in February 2016, they asked toll staff to wear uniforms. The uniforms were supposed to be navy blue trousers and navy blue shirts. Although, the directives are not followed rigorously.