Telangana Rolls Out Rah-Veer Scheme to Honor Road Accident Rescuers
In a significant move to bolster road safety and citizen participation, the state of Telangana has officially launched the implementation of the Rah-Veer scheme, formerly known as the Good Samaritan initiative. This program, originally introduced by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways four years ago, is designed to recognize and reward individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who step forward to assist victims of road accidents.
Encouraging Courageous Acts to Save Lives
The primary goal of the Rah-Veer scheme is to foster a culture of immediate assistance during road accidents. By honoring ordinary citizens who act without hesitation, the initiative aims to ensure that victims receive prompt medical attention, potentially saving lives during the critical "golden hour" after an incident. Under this scheme, any person who helps an accident victim reach a hospital in time and contributes to saving their life will be officially designated as a 'Rah-Veer'.
As a token of appreciation, each recognized Rah-Veer will receive a cash reward of ₹25,000 along with a government-issued certificate. This incentive is part of a broader effort to create a supportive environment where citizens feel empowered to help, without fear of legal repercussions or harassment.
Transparent Selection Process and Legal Protections
To ensure fairness and transparency in the selection of Rah-Veers, the Telangana government has issued a circular to district collectors, instructing them to form district-level committees. These committees will be responsible for publicizing the scheme widely and evaluating eligible cases. The process begins with the recording of details by the concerned station house officer (SHO) and hospital authorities when assistance is provided.
The district committee will be chaired by the district collector, with key members including the superintendent of police and district medical and health officers. The district transport officer will serve as the convener. Based on police recommendations and committee approval, a list of eligible individuals will be forwarded to the transport commissioner for final disbursement of rewards and certificates.
Importantly, the transport department has reiterated that Good Samaritans are entitled to full legal protection under Supreme Court directives and central government guidelines. This means that those who provide assistance cannot be harassed by police or forced to attend court proceedings, and hospitals must offer medical care without inconveniencing the helper.
Public Appeal and Broader Impact
In an appeal to the public, the transport department urged citizens not to remain passive witnesses during road accidents. Officials emphasized that "a small act of courage can save a life," and assured that the government will provide both protection and recognition for those who come forward. With the message, "Road safety is everyone's responsibility," the department is calling on people across Telangana to be aware of the Rah-Veer scheme and actively participate in making roads safer.
This implementation marks a proactive step by Telangana to address road safety challenges, leveraging community involvement to reduce accident fatalities and promote a sense of collective responsibility among its residents.
