Nitin Gadkari announced that Good Samaritans who help injured persons in road accidents will be rewarded with Rs 25,000. This initiative aims to motivate timely intervention by bystanders, potentially saving thousands of lives every year.
Speaking at a recent road safety conference, Minister Gadkari emphasized the importance of community participation in emergency response. “Good Samaritans play a crucial role in reducing fatalities by providing immediate help before professional medical aid arrives. To honor their courage and compassion, the government will provide a monetary reward of Rs 25,000,” he said.
The reward will be given to individuals who assist accident victims by providing first aid, arranging transportation to hospitals, or facilitating emergency medical care without expecting any compensation.
Despite the presence of bystanders during road accidents, many hesitate to intervene due to fear of legal hassles, police questioning, or harassment. This hesitation often leads to delayed medical attention, increasing the risk of fatalities.
The Rs 25,000 reward will be disbursed by the respective state governments in coordination with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. To qualify for the reward, Good Samaritans must:
Provide genuine assistance to an injured road accident victim
Report the incident to the nearest police station or emergency medical service
Submit necessary documentation and proof of assistance
Authorities will verify the claims to ensure the reward reaches deserving individuals.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by road safety advocates, NGOs, and citizens. Dr. Meera Joshi, a trauma care specialist, said, “This initiative acknowledges the critical role of bystanders. Financial rewards can motivate more people to overcome fear and help accident victims.”
