G 24 Hours Digital Bureau: Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is known for his outspoken views. He is often referred to as the most efficient minister in Narendra Modi’s government. He is called this because of the fast pace of work in his office. During a recent interview with a news portal, Gadkari was asked that when people pay taxes from which politicians get their salaries, why should leaders be exempted from toll tax? Whenever they pay toll tax, this question comes to mind of common man.
Responding to questions on the VIP treatment given to leaders, Gadkari expressed his dismay at the removal of this concession. He indicated that the political parties would not agree to this. Gadkari said, ‘Ambulances are exempt…they are not VIPs, MLAs, MPs, ministers are part of the government…you know the limitations of popular politicians. If I don’t take that decision, what will happen in Parliament?…Frankly, some questions have no answers’.
It will be remembered that a few months back when a journalist asked Gadkari to allow toll exemption for writers, the minister outright rejected the demand. Persons like President of India, Vice President of India, Prime Minister of India, Governor of a State, Chief Justice of India, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Parliament, Cabinet Minister, Chief Minister and Supreme Court Judges are exempted from paying toll tax in the country.
In terms of work, the Ministry of Roads and Transport is doing a great job. Many expressways including the New Delhi-Mumbai Expressway are under construction and many roads are nearing completion. Gadkari recently said that the government is making all-out efforts to bring the country’s road infrastructure to the level of America’s by the end of 2024.
