Tezzbuzz Desk- The Central Government is considering reducing the list of officers getting toll exemption, the new system may be implemented through FASTag Annual Pass.
The central government is preparing to take a big step towards ending the VIP culture in the country. A proposal has come forward for major changes in the list of government officials and special category vehicles exempted from toll tax on national highways. If this proposal is implemented, many senior officials may also have to pay toll fees while traveling on the highway.
The government believes that the relaxation given to different categories at toll plazas creates a feeling of inequality among the common people. In such a situation, emphasis is now being laid on making the system more transparent and equal.
A high level committee constituted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has suggested that the number of vehicles exempted from toll tax should be significantly reduced or this system should be abolished completely.
Under the proposal, the system of giving free entry to government officials by showing identity cards at toll plazas can be abolished. Instead they will have to use a special FASTag Annual Pass.
As per the new arrangement, government officials and employees will have to purchase FASTag Annual Pass for their official travels. Through this, payment will be made automatically at the toll plaza and later the concerned department will be able to reimburse that expense.
This system will work in the same way as government employees are reimbursed for the expenses incurred on official mobile or other work. According to sources, the Central Government has also sought opinion from various ministries and state governments to implement this proposal.
FASTag Annual Pass is a special digital facility through which motorists can pass through a specified number of toll plazas throughout the year without making separate payments. Once activated, this pass remains valid for 12 months and under this a vehicle can cross the toll plaza a maximum of 200 times.
Currently the price of FASTag Annual Pass has been fixed at Rs 3,075. If a user travels extensively and the limit of 200 trips is already reached, the pass can be renewed.
The government believes that this will not cause loss of revenue to toll operators and the rules will also become almost the same for all vehicles.
Experts believe that if this proposal is implemented, there will be a reduction in VIP privileges on the highways and the difference in rules between common citizens and government officials will also reduce. However, the final decision is yet to be taken and the government is receiving suggestions from various departments.
This step is being considered an important change towards equality based system and transparent administration in the country.
