Delhi Government Implements Central 'Rah-Veer' Scheme to Reward Road Accident Rescuers
In a significant move to enhance road safety and encourage public assistance, the Delhi government has officially decided to implement the central government's 'Rah-Veer' scheme. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Monday that the initiative will offer a cash reward of Rs 25,000 to good Samaritans who help seriously injured road accident victims reach hospitals during the critical "golden hour."
Encouraging Timely Assistance Without Legal Fear
Gupta emphasized that the scheme, originally introduced by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aims to motivate people to come forward and assist accident victims without apprehension of legal complications. The initiative strategically combines financial incentives with legal protections to promote immediate medical intervention and ultimately reduce fatalities resulting from road accidents.
"The first hour after a serious accident is absolutely crucial. Immediate medical attention can literally mean the difference between life and death," stated the Chief Minister. She added that in a densely populated metropolis like Delhi, where thousands of vehicles operate on roads daily, ensuring swift assistance presents both a significant challenge and an urgent necessity.
Scheme Details and Implementation Framework
Under the newly adopted 'Rah-Veer' scheme, the reward amount will be capped at Rs 25,000 per incident, even if multiple victims are rescued in a single accident. Additionally, on a national level, ten individuals identified annually as the most outstanding 'Rah-Veers' will receive a special award of Rs 1 lakh each, accompanied by a certificate of appreciation.
Chief Minister Gupta highlighted that many bystanders currently hesitate to help accident victims due to fears of police questioning or potential legal entanglements. She clarified that the scheme aligns with the Good Samaritan Rules notified under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which provides explicit legal protection to individuals who voluntarily assist injured or distressed persons.
The Delhi government will adopt the detailed implementation guidelines issued to states and Union territories by the central government. An evaluation committee will be constituted in each district, comprising the district magistrate, a senior police officer, the chief medical officer, and the regional transport officer, to verify and approve reward claims. Approved amounts will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
Digital Management and Previous Initiatives
A separate bank account will be maintained specifically for the scheme, and all procedural activities will be recorded on a dedicated digital platform. The Union Ministry will also provide an initial grant to support the implementation process in Delhi.
This move follows the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's earlier initiative, 'Farishtey Dilli Ke', launched in 2018. That scheme provided up to Rs 1.5 lakh for cashless treatment of road accident victims along with a Rs 2,000 reward for good Samaritans. According to AAP government claims, 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' saved over 10,000 lives and facilitated treatment for approximately 23,000 victims. However, the scheme became dysfunctional due to a freeze on funds and prolonged pending payments to private hospitals.
The previous scheme became a point of political contention, with AAP alleging that the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to halt it through the Lieutenant Governor's office. Conversely, BJP countered by alleging that all schemes implemented by the Arvind Kejriwal government had turned into avenues for scams, with 'Farishtey' being one of them.
The implementation of the central 'Rah-Veer' scheme represents Delhi's latest effort to institutionalize support for road accident victims and those who assist them, aiming to create a safer and more responsive urban environment.
