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Launched by the MoRTH on October 3, 2021, this scheme offers a reward to individuals who provide Read More... immediate help to victims of fatal road accidents and rush them to a hospital within the crucial 'Golden Hour'. Read less

Details

Every day, countless lives are lost on Indian roads due to accidents. In critical moments, timely assistance can be the difference between life and death. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways introduced the 'Scheme for Good Samaritan' to encourage public participation in saving accident victims.

What is the Good Samaritan Scheme?

This scheme, launched on October 3, 2021, aims to appreciate and reward individuals who step forward to help victims of fatal motor vehicle accidents. It specifically recognizes those who provide immediate medical assistance and transport the injured to a hospital or trauma care centre within the critical 'Golden Hour' following the accident.

Who Can Be A Good Samaritan?

A Good Samaritan is anyone who voluntarily helps an accident victim without expecting any payment or reward. This includes people who administer first aid, arrange for transportation to a hospital, or inform the authorities, all with the sole intention of saving a life.

Why This Scheme Is Important

India faces a high number of road accident fatalities, and many victims die from injuries that could be treated if immediate care was provided. This scheme addresses the hesitation many people feel to help due to fears of legal issues or hospital formalities. By offering rewards and legal protection, it aims to motivate more citizens to become Good Samaritans and save precious lives.

Objective

Launched by the MoRTH on October 3, 2021, this scheme offers a reward to individuals who provide immediate help to victims of fatal road accidents and rush them to a hospital within the crucial 'Golden Hour'.

Benefits

₹ 50,000/- per annumfor every year of study, i.e. maximum of 4 years for first-year admitted students and a maximum of 3 years for second-year admitted students, through lateral entry as a lump sum amount towards payment ofcollege fees, purchase of computer, stationeries, books, equipment, software, etc.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who is Eligible?

You must have saved the life of a victim in a fatal motor vehicle accident.
Your help involved administering immediate assistance and rushing the victim to a hospital or trauma care centre within the 'Golden Hour' of the accident.
You must be willing to disclose your details to receive the award. Those who wish to remain anonymous cannot be awarded.

How To Apply

The scheme is operational till March 31, 2026. If you have acted as a Good Samaritan, the process involves recognition based on police and hospital certifications. While a specific online application form for individuals isn't detailed here, the process relies on formal reporting and verification:

Provide Assistance: Act as a Good Samaritan by assisting an accident victim within the Golden Hour.
Inform Authorities: You may inform the police or directly take the victim to a hospital.
Police/Hospital Verification: Your act will be certified by the police department and the hospital where the victim was treated.
Nomination: Based on these certifications, you can be nominated for the award.

For further details and potential nomination procedures, you may refer to official communications from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

Documents You Might Need

Identity Card (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID)
Address Proof
Bank account details for receiving the award
Certification from the Police department verifying your involvement
Certification from the hospital confirming the treatment provided to the victim

FAQ’s

What is the primary goal of the Good Samaritan Scheme?

The main aim is to encourage people to help road accident victims during emergencies and inspire others to save lives by providing timely assistance.

How many times can one person get an award in a year?

An individual Good Samaritan can receive the award a maximum of 5 times in a single year.

What happens if multiple people save one victim?

If more than one Good Samaritan helps a single victim, the award amount of ₹25,000 is split equally among all of them.

Will I get a certificate along with the award money?

Yes, absolutely! Every cash award you receive will be accompanied by a 'Certification of Appreciation' to acknowledge your noble deed.

What is the 'Golden Hour' in road accidents?

The 'Golden Hour' refers to the critical period immediately following a severe accident. Providing medical treatment or reaching a hospital within this first hour significantly increases the chances of survival and recovery for the victim.

How did the Good Samaritan Law come about in India?

The law evolved due to the high number of road crash fatalities in India and the hesitation of bystanders to help victims fearing legal complications. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court in 2012 played a key role in seeking protection for those who help accident victims.

What is the duration of this scheme?

The scheme is set to continue until the end of the 15th Financial Cycle, which is March 31, 2026.

Are there any specific awards for exceptionally helpful Samaritans?

Yes, there are 10 National Level Awards given each year to the most deserving Good Samaritans, with each recipient getting ₹1,00,000.

What is the award amount for saving a victim in a single incident?

For a single incident where you save one or more victims, the award amount given is ₹5,000.

Does the law protect Good Samaritans from police or hospital procedures?

Yes, if you help an accident victim and inform the police or take them to the hospital, you will not be subjected to further questioning or formalities by the police or hospital and can leave immediately.

What are the required documents to claim the award?

You will typically need your Identity Proof, Address Proof, Bank Account Details, and certifications from both the Police department and the hospital regarding your assistance.

Why was the Good Samaritan Law needed in India?

Many road accident victims in India die from preventable injuries. Bystanders often hesitate to help due to fear of legal issues and lengthy procedures. The law aims to remove these barriers and encourage people to help.