Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the adoption of the ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme, initiated by the Central government, which grants a cash prize of Rs 25,000 to individuals who aid seriously injured road accident victims. The scheme aims to recognize and incentivize citizens who assist in saving lives during road accidents. Those who save multiple victims in a single accident will still receive a maximum reward of Rs 25,000.
Additionally, the scheme will honor 10 exceptional individuals annually with a special national award of Rs 1 lakh each. The primary objective behind this initiative is to promote humanitarian actions and encourage ordinary citizens to provide timely assistance to seriously injured accident victims without hesitation. Every award will be accompanied by a certificate of appreciation.
The scheme’s core focus is to motivate the public to ensure that seriously injured road accident victims receive prompt medical attention within the crucial ‘golden hour.’ By encouraging more people to step forward and assist the injured, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to significantly reduce fatalities resulting from road accidents. The initiative seeks to alleviate concerns regarding legal complications or police procedures that often deter individuals from helping accident victims.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized the importance of timely medical assistance for accident victims, highlighting that swift access to medical care during the ‘golden hour’ can be life-saving. With the introduction of financial incentives and legal protection under the ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme, the government aims to boost the number of individuals willing to transport seriously injured victims to hospitals promptly. The scheme’s implementation is expected to enhance both road safety measures and humanitarian responsiveness in Delhi.
According to Chief Minister Gupta, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has provided detailed guidelines to states and Union Territories for the effective execution of the scheme. The initiative aligns with the Good Samaritan Rules outlined in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, offering legal protection to citizens who voluntarily aid distressed or vulnerable individuals. The Central government’s decision to supplement this initiative with a financial reward underscores its commitment to promoting public engagement in humanitarian causes.
The ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme not only aims to save the lives of seriously injured road accident victims but also endeavors to cultivate a culture of compassion within society. The Delhi government believes that increased public participation can play a pivotal role in reducing mortality rates resulting from road accidents.
