In a significant move to combat road fatalities, the Palamu district administration in Jharkhand has launched a generous new scheme to encourage public assistance for accident victims. The Rah Veer Yojana, officially rolled out on December 29, promises a cash reward of Rs 25,000 to Good Samaritans who ensure victims reach a hospital within the critical 'golden hour'—the first sixty minutes after an accident.
Financial Incentive and Legal Shield for Rescuers
The scheme marks a substantial increase from a previous initiative that offered only Rs 5,000. Beyond the financial incentive, the administration has provided a crucial assurance: these helpful citizens will not face police enquiries or legal hassles. This step aims to remove the fear and hesitation that often prevents bystanders from coming forward to help.
Detailing the process, an official explained that once a Good Samaritan brings an injured person to a hospital, the hospital management will inform the police. The police will then notify the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sameera S and the District Transport Officer (DTO) J K Yadav. Following due verification, the cash incentive will be promptly disbursed to the rescuer.
A District Grappling with Road Mishaps
The urgent need for such a scheme was underscored by district officials. DTO J K Yadav highlighted the grim reality, stating, "There is hardly any month here when there is no road mishap and one or two human lives are not lost. It's our prime concern." This sentiment was echoed in a recent road safety meeting chaired by DC Sameera S with the DTO and other officials earlier this month.
Boosting Community-Led Emergency Response
The Rah Veer Yojana represents a proactive shift towards community-involved road safety. By incentivizing and protecting quick action, the Palamu administration hopes to leverage the power of the public to reduce preventable deaths. The focus on the golden hour is medically sound, as immediate care drastically improves survival rates and recovery outcomes for trauma patients.
This initiative, born out of concern in Daltonganj, sets a notable precedent for other districts facing similar challenges. It combines a tangible reward with legal safeguards, addressing both the motivational and psychological barriers that keep people from helping in emergency situations on the road.
