Lucknow/Noida: In a pioneering move to reduce road accident fatalities, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched the ‘Rahveer Yojana’, an initiative that recognizes and rewards citizens who help critically injured road accident victims reach hospitals within the crucial “golden hour.” Under this scheme, rescuers, referred to as ‘Raah-Veer,’ will receive a certificate of recognition and a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
‘Rahveer Yojana’: Rewarding the Real-Life Heroes
The Rahveer Yojana was announced under the leadership of Transport Commissioner Kinjal Singh, aiming to encourage bystanders to act promptly and save lives by providing immediate assistance to accident victims. The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways‘ guidelines but is being implemented through various states, including Uttar Pradesh.
Singh emphasized that “the survival of accident victims depends heavily on the first hour post-incident, and those who act in good faith deserve recognition regardless of the outcome.”
Background: The Need for Rahveer Yojana in Uttar Pradesh
India recorded approximately 1.6 lakh road accident fatalities in 2023, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 22,532 deaths—the highest among all states—according to National Crime Records Bureau data. The scheme is part of a larger effort to reduce these alarming numbers by motivating citizens to come forward and provide emergency help without fear or hesitation.
How the Rahveer Yojana Works
- When a citizen helps transport an accident victim to the hospital within 60 minutes of the incident (the “golden hour”), they should immediately notify the nearest police station.
- Police verify the incident and issue a Good Samaritan certificate.
- The government then transfers Rs 25,000 directly into the rescuer’s bank account without complicated paperwork.
If multiple people help a single victim, the cash prize is shared equally; if one person helps multiple victims in a single accident, the prize remains Rs 25,000.
Key Benefits Under Rahveer Yojana
- Financial Reward: Rs 25,000 per incident for the rescuer(s).
- Legal Protection: Complete immunity from police interrogation and legal proceedings related to the accident.
- Medical Expenses Coverage: Hospital costs up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days of treatment.
- National Recognition: Top ten ‘Raah-Veers’ annually awarded Rs 1 lakh with citations and felicitation ceremonies.
Eligibility Criteria and Assurance
The scheme covers any Indian citizen who assists road accident victims, irrespective of age, gender, or social status. Even if the rescuer’s vehicle is blood-stained during rescue, they are protected from legal consequences.
Implementation and Verification Process
Police and hospital authorities jointly verify the authenticity of each incident. A district-level appraisal committee, led by the district magistrate, reviews and approves rewards and recognition.
PK Singh, Regional Transport Officer of Ghaziabad, said, “The initiative is expected to encourage more people to help accident victims fearlessly, saving precious lives in Uttar Pradesh.”
