The National Highway Authority of India has directed toll plaza staff to "salute or give standing ovation" to the defence personnel passing by the kiosks as a mark of respect following complaints of "rude behaviour" against service personnel exempt from paying tax.
In a circular, NHAI told its staff that "Armed forces personnel deserve the highest regard and should be given due respect at the toll plaza including salute and standing ovation as deemed fit."
According to the Indian Tolls (Army & Air Force) Act, all members of armed forces are exempt from toll charges. However, a new ministry of road and highways order has said that only those "on duty" can enjoy the benfits.
The circular was issued after NHAI was intimated several times about the staff's use of "harsh language", reported The Times Of India.
The NHAI has also directed toll operators to train their staff to pay due respect and salute the men in uniform for their "selfless dedication to the country".
The circular also assures that the verification of identity cards would be done only by senior/competent authority. Numerous defence personnels had alleged harassment by the toll plaza staff even after showing the identity cards.
