Reward for Good Samaritans Who Help Accident Victims to Be Increased to Rs. 25000 – Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the reward for Good Samaritans who help road accident victims receive timely medical care will be increased to Rs 25,000. This fivefold increase from the current Rs 5,000 is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote road safety and ensure swift medical aid for accident victims.
The decision was revealed during a televised conversation with actor Anupam Kher, where Gadkari highlighted the importance of immediate assistance during the critical “golden hour” after an accident. He emphasized that the current reward was insufficient to motivate people to take prompt action in life-threatening situations. As a result, he has directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to increase the incentive and streamline the reward distribution process.
Defining a Good Samaritan
The government’s definition of a Good Samaritan, as stated on the Ministry of Road Transport’s website, refers to a person who provides immediate assistance to accident victims without any expectation of payment or personal gain. The policy, introduced in October 2021, offers both monetary rewards and a certificate of recognition for genuine Good Samaritans who assist accident victims during emergencies.
To ensure the rewards are granted to the right individuals, the scheme outlines a verification and endorsement process. This multilayered approach aims to prevent misuse and ensure that only those who genuinely contribute to saving lives receive the benefits.
Enhancing Transparency and Immediate Treatment
During the interaction, Gadkari also announced another critical measure: the government will cover the medical expenses for the first seven days of treatment for road accident victims. The payment will be made directly to the treating hospital, ensuring that accident victims receive immediate care without financial hurdles.
To further eliminate delays, Gadkari mentioned that the entire process is being computerized, making it more transparent and time-bound. The district collector will be authorized to make decisions regarding accident victim treatment, ensuring prompt action across all types of roads, including national highways, state roads, and gram panchayat roads.
Unclear Data on Good Samaritan Impact
While the Good Samaritan reward scheme has been in place since 2021, no public data has been released regarding the number of individuals who have received rewards for assisting accident victims. The increased reward and coverage of medical expenses aim to boost public participation and potentially reduce fatalities caused by delayed medical care.
This initiative underscores the government’s focus on road safety reforms and its commitment to saving lives through better emergency response systems.
