Silchar: In a significant step toward promoting timely assistance for road accident victims, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched an enhanced initiative titled ‘Rah-Veer’, aimed at recognising and rewarding Good Samaritans who help transport accident victims to medical facilities within the crucial Golden Hour.

Effective from April 21, 2025, the Rah-Veer scheme seeks to bolster India’s road safety efforts by formally acknowledging the courage and selflessness of everyday citizens. With road accidents continuing to be a leading cause of death and injury across the country, timely aid can often be the difference between life and death, officials noted.

As per the updated guidelines, individuals who promptly assist victims of serious motor vehicle accidents and ensure their hospitalisation within the Golden Hour will be recognised as Rah-Veers. Each such Good Samaritan will receive a cash reward of Rs 5,000 per incident, with a cap of ₹25,000 in cases where multiple victims are helped in a single accident. Additionally, every awardee will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Further, to honour exceptional bravery, 10 individuals from across India will be selected annually for a national-level award of Rs 1 lakh each.

Officials reiterated that the legal safeguards for Good Samaritans, as outlined in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the 2020 Rules, remain fully applicable. Individuals offering help cannot be compelled to reveal their identity or be subjected to harassment, and any breach will be addressed by district-level grievance redressal committees.

Verification of claims and award approvals will be managed at the district level under the supervision of the District Magistrate. Approved awards will be credited directly to the recipients’ bank accounts within one week. A state-level committee will oversee the scheme’s implementation through quarterly reviews.

By rolling out the Rah-Veer scheme, the government aims to foster a culture of compassion and civic responsibility on Indian roads empowering citizens to act decisively when every second counts.

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