Nitin Gadkari: India’s Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India has announced that good Samaritans who help save invaluable road accident victims would be given a reward of Rs 25,000.
This initiative by the Union Government is to motivate timely intervention by bystanders, which can potentially save thousands of lives every year.
Nitin Gadkari Announcement
Speaking at a recent road safety conference, Minister Gadkari said the reward will be given to individuals who genuinely assist accident victims by providing first aid, facilitating emergency medical care or arranging transportation to hospitals without expecting any compensation.
There have been many instances in the past where bystanders don’t help road accident or other victims due to fear of legal hassles, harassment, or police questioning. This often results in delayed medical attention, increasing the risk of fatalities.
Gadkari added the reward will be disbursed by the respective state governments in coordination with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Authorities will verify the claims before offering the reward to deserving individuals.
Gadkari’s announcement has been widely welcomed by road safety advocates, NGOs, and citizens. Dr. Meera Joshi, a trauma care specialist, said financial rewards can go a long way to motivate more people to overcome fear and help accident victims.
Cashless Treatment Program For Road Accident Victims
Nitin Gadkari also announced medical care of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per person per accident for the initial 7 days of hospitalization.
Piloted in select regions before being rolled out nationwide, the scheme will ensure prompt care without upfront costs with the assistance of state governments. Gadkari added the Union Government is presently working on a model so that specialized ambulances can reach accident spots in just 10 minutes.
Citing a study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Gadkari said such measures could save nearly 5,000 road accident deaths in India each year.
