Helping Accident Victims: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced an enhanced ‘Good Samaritan’ scheme, increasing the reward for individuals assisting road accident victims from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000. The initiative is designed to encourage bystanders to provide immediate help during the critical ‘Golden Hour’, the first hour after an accident when medical intervention can significantly reduce fatalities.
The initiative aims to encourage bystanders to assist injured individuals without fear of legal complications. The scheme also includes provisions for covering hospital expenses of up to ₹1.5 lakh for the first seven days of treatment for injured individuals.
Gadkari emphasized the importance of immediate assistance, noting that timely help can save countless lives. He stated, “We hope once the scheme is launched, we will be able to help save 50,000 lives by ensuring treatment in the golden hour.”
Helping Accident Victims: Background and Rationale
India has a high incidence of road accidents, with approximately 15.3 lakh fatalities between 2014 and 2023. Prompt assistance during the ‘Golden Hour’—the first hour after an accident—is crucial for saving lives. The enhanced ‘Good Samaritan’ scheme aims to motivate the public to provide immediate aid without hesitation, thereby reducing fatalities and fostering a supportive community environment.
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This move aligns with the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which provides legal safeguards for Good Samaritans. The government hopes that this financial incentive will encourage more people to step forward and save lives.
Meaning of A “Good Samaritan”
Helping Accident Victims: A Good Samaritan refers to a person who voluntarily helps someone in distress, particularly in emergencies like road accidents, without expecting a reward. The term originates from a biblical parable, where a Samaritan helps an injured man while others ignore him.
Good Samaritan in the Context of Road Safety
In India, a Good Samaritan is anyone who assists a road accident victim by:
1. Calling an ambulance or taking the victim to a hospital.
2. Providing first aid at the accident scene.
3. Informing authorities about the accident.
4. Ensuring the victim receives timely medical care.
Helping Accident Victims: Key Highlights
- Objective: Reduce road accident fatalities by ensuring timely medical aid.
- Increased Reward: The incentive for Good Samaritans has been raised fivefold, from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000, to encourage prompt assistance to accident victims during the critical ‘Golden Hour.’
- Cashless Treatment Provision: The government plans to cover hospital expenses up to ₹1.5 lakh for the first seven days of treatment for injured individuals, ensuring immediate medical care without financial concerns.
- Legal Protection: Good Samaritans are shielded from legal hassles, ensuring they can assist without fear of police harassment or legal repercussions.
- Nationwide Applicability: The scheme applies across national and state highways, as well as urban and rural roads, promoting a culture of assistance throughout the country.
Implementation and Monitoring
- District-Level Appraisal Committees: These committees, comprising the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, Chief Medical and Health Officer, and Regional Transport Officer, will review and approve reward proposals monthly.
- State-Level Monitoring Committees: Chaired by the Principal Secretary (Home), these committees will conduct quarterly meetings to oversee the scheme’s implementation and nominate candidates for national-level awards.
- National Recognition: Each year, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will select ten outstanding Good Samaritans for national awards, including a ₹1,00,000 cash prize, certificate, and trophy, presented during the National Road Safety Month in Delhi.
Helping Accident Victims: The Good Samaritan scheme is a step toward a more compassionate society, where people do not hesitate to help accident victims. By offering a substantial monetary reward, legal protection, and hospital coverage, the government is fostering a culture of responsible citizenship while significantly improving road safety and emergency response.
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FAQ’s about Good Samaritan scheme
1. What provides legal safeguards for Good Samaritans?
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.
2. What is a Good Samaritan?
A person who voluntarily helps someone in distress, particularly in emergencies like road accidents, without expecting a reward.
3. What is the objective of the Good Samaritan scheme?
To reduce road accident fatalities by ensuring timely medical aid.
4. What medical provisions are included in the Good Samaritan scheme?
The scheme includes provisions for covering hospital expenses of up to ₹1.5 lakh for the first seven days of treatment for injured individuals.
5. What is the reward for assisting road accident victims?
₹25,000.