Soldiers Deserve Better: Online Petition Demands Repeal Of Unjust Travel Policy

Pune, 21st April 2023: An online petition calling for the repeal of an unfair policy that limits soldiers’ travel options has gained significant traction on change.org. The Department of Personnel has implemented a policy that forces soldiers to purchase air tickets from government-owned public sector undertakings (PSUs), which are significantly more expensive than other options.

The petition, titled “Repeal Unfair Policy: Allow Soldiers to Travel with Dignity,” was started by Ravi Kumar, a defence kid, who runs Udchalo, a consumer tech startup. The petition has garnered about 500 signatures in just a few days. The policy in question mandates that soldiers can only purchase air tickets from government PSUs, which charge much higher rates than other online options.

The new policy has put an additional burden on soldiers who are already struggling to make ends meet. It has also caused significant hardship for their families, who have to bear the cost of expensive tickets. Previously, soldiers could travel by railway, but they would have to travel on unconfirmed tickets next to the lavatory. However, the government then allowed soldiers to choose the mode of transportation they prefer, and many soldiers opted for air travel, paying the difference between the cheapest online fare and the railway fare they were entitled to.

“The new policy is a severe blow to the dignity and comfort of our soldiers. They are entitled to travel in comfort and dignity, and they should not be forced to bear the cost of expensive airfare. The difference in fare is adding an extra burden on their already limited resources. We cannot allow this policy to stand.”

The petitioner argues that soldiers should be able to travel in comfort and dignity, and they should not be forced to bear the additional cost of expensive airfare. Instead, they should be allowed to choose the mode of transportation they prefer, as long as it is within their entitlements. The policy should be repealed immediately, and soldiers should be allowed to travel with the dignity they deserve.

The petition has garnered significant support from citizens across the country. Many have taken to social media to voice their support for the cause, using hashtags like #AllowSoldiersToTravelWithDignity and #RepealUnfairPolicy. Some have even gone as far as writing letters to their elected representatives, demanding that the policy be repealed. 

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