Delhi to Implement Rah-Veer Scheme for Road Accident Rescue

?25,000 Reward Under Rah-Veer to Promote Golden Hour Assistance

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that the Capital will adopt the Centre’s Rah-Veer scheme , designed to encourage citizens to assist road accident victims during the critical “golden hour.” The initiative provides a cash reward of ?25,000 to individuals who ensure that a seriously injured person is transported to a hospital or trauma facility within the first hour of an accident, when prompt medical care significantly improves survival chances.

The scheme aims to overcome public reluctance stemming from fear of police procedures and legal entanglements.

Financial Incentive and National Recognition

Under the programme, any citizen who facilitates timely hospitalisation of a critically injured accident victim becomes eligible for ?25,000 per verified incident. In cases involving multiple victims from the same accident, the rescuer will receive a maximum of ?25,000 for that event.

In addition to monetary compensation, recipients will be issued a formal certificate of appreciation. Each year, ten outstanding rescuers will be selected for a national honour carrying a prize of ?1 lakh, reinforcing the culture of civic responsibility.

Legal Protection Through Good Samaritan Provisions

The initiative aligns with the Good Samaritan safeguards embedded in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 . These provisions protect individuals who voluntarily assist accident victims from harassment, repeated interrogation or civil and criminal liability.

By combining statutory protection with financial incentives, authorities intend to reduce preventable fatalities caused by delayed medical intervention.

Transparent Verification Mechanism

Each rescue claim will be scrutinised by a District Level Evaluation Committee comprising the District Magistrate, senior police officers, the Chief Medical Officer and the Regional Transport Officer. Upon validation, the reward amount will be transferred directly to the rescuer’s bank account through a digital system.

Important Facts for Exams

• Golden hour: first 60 minutes after traumatic injury.

• Good Samaritan protections under Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.

• Rah-Veer scheme offers ?25,000 per verified rescue case.

• Annual national award includes ?1 lakh prize.

With growing vehicular traffic in Delhi, the Rah-Veer scheme seeks to institutionalise community-led emergency response and strengthen road safety outcomes.