Government ready to issue special FASTag passes for legislators to avoid toll gate hassles: DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said the Karnataka government is ready to introduce a special FASTag or separate pass system for legislators, Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Council to ensure they do not face inconvenience or harassment at toll plazas across the state.
The issue was raised in the legislature after Bagapalli MLA Subbareddy drew attention to what he described as “inappropriate behaviour” by toll booth staff towards elected representatives. He said legislators are frequently questioned and asked to prove their identity while travelling.
“Even when MLAs are on official duty, toll staff ask, ‘How do we know you are an MLA?’ and demand ID cards. This kind of behaviour is unnecessary and disrespectful,” he said, urging the government to issue clear directions to toll operators.
Subbareddy alleged that toll booth staff often behave rudely and stop vehicles of MLAs and MLCs, demanding passes and questioning their authority. Several other members echoed similar complaints, stating that the problem is widespread across toll plazas in Karnataka.
They alleged that toll staff do not follow uniform norms and often cause avoidable delays and embarrassment to public representatives. Responding to the concerns, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the government is willing to cooperate fully to resolve the issue. “There should be a separate system for MLAs, MLCs and MPs.
If a direction is issued, the government is ready to facilitate it,” he said, requesting the Speaker to take the matter forward. Shivakumar assured the House that the government would work towards issuing separate FASTag passes not only for legislators but also for Members of Parliament and judges to ensure smooth passage through toll gates.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashok also criticised the conduct of toll booth staff, alleging repeated incidents of harassment. “They ask, ‘Are you really an MLA?’ They come close to the car and ask us to roll down the window. In some cases, toll staff have unnecessarily stopped and troubled our members.
Our MLC Keshavaprasad faced such an incident,” Ashok said, demanding strict action to prevent recurrence. Speaker UT Khader intervened and said a meeting would be convened with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address the issue and put an end to the inconvenience faced by elected representatives.
In a related discussion, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh informed the House that the government is considering the establishment of fast-track special courts at the district level to hear corruption cases registered against government officials.
Responding to BJP MLC YM Satish, who questioned the reinstatement of five officials accused of misappropriating Rs 2.80 lakh in the Ballari Municipal Corporation, the minister said discussions are underway with the Law Department to set up special courts for speedy trials.
Suresh also assured that online property tax payment systems, similar to those in Bengaluru, would be extended across the state in the coming days. He clarified that while five officials accused of misusing public funds had been suspended, service rules permit suspension only for a maximum of six months.
The case is currently under investigation by a retired judge, and police have already filed a chargesheet. “Further action will be taken after the final investigation report is submitted,” the minister said.
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