Good Samaritan Scheme: Get ₹25,000 for Saving Road Accident Victims
The fear of legal complications often discourages people from assisting road accident victims. Many hesitate, believing that helping victims might entangle them in police cases or court proceedings. As a result, bystanders often limit their assistance to calling an ambulance and watching from a distance rather than taking the injured to the nearest hospital. To address this hesitation and encourage timely intervention, the police have reassured the public that rescuing accident victims does not lead to legal trouble. Furthermore, individuals who help transport injured victims to a hospital can receive a reward of ₹25,000 under the central government’s Good Samaritan Scheme.
What is the Good Samaritan Scheme?
Medical professionals state that many accident victims could survive if they receive timely medical care. They emphasize the importance of rushing injured individuals to the hospital as quickly as possible, as every second is crucial. Delays while waiting for an ambulance can be fatal. Recognizing this, the central government introduced the Good Samaritan Scheme four years ago. Initially, the scheme provided a reward of ₹5,000 for those who transported injured victims to hospitals and ensured they received immediate medical attention. The scheme also included provisions to protect rescuers from legal complications. Recently, the government increased the reward to ₹25,000. Additionally, those who save multiple victims could earn up to ₹1 lakh, according to police officials.
How to Claim the Reward
After transporting accident victims to a hospital, the rescuer must inform the local police. The police will then issue an official letter detailing the accident and the rescuer’s assistance. To claim the reward, this letter must be submitted along with the rescuer’s Aadhaar card, bank account details, and hospital certification to the local Mandal Tehsildar. A committee comprising officials from the transport, revenue, police, national highways, and medical departments will review the case and select eligible recipients for the cash incentive.
