Hyderabad: Four years after the Union ministry of road transport and highways launched the Good Samaritan scheme, now renamed ‘Rah-Veer’, to reward individuals and NGOs who rescue accident victims, Telangana on Sunday announced its implementation. The initiative aims to encourage and honour Good Samaritans, ordinary citizens who step forward without fear to provide immediate assistance to road accident victims and help save lives.Under the scheme, any individual who assists a road accident victim in reaching a hospital in time and contributes to saving the victim’s life will be recognised as a ‘Rah-Veer’. Such individuals will receive a cash reward of 25,000 along with a certificate of appreciation from the govt.Officials said the primary objectives of the scheme are to ensure prompt medical attention for accident victims, foster a supportive environment in which citizens do not hesitate to help, and reinforce the legal protection available to Good Samaritans. The transport department emphasised that timely intervention during the ‘golden hour’ after an accident can significantly reduce the risk of death.To ensure transparent selection, the govt has issued a circular to district collectors directing them to constitute district-level committees and widely publicise the scheme. As per the procedure, details of the person who provided immediate assistance will be recorded by the concerned station house officer (SHO) and hospital authorities. The SHO will then recommend eligible cases to the district-level committee.The district committee will be chaired by the district collector, with the superintendent of police and district medical and health officers as members, while the district transport officer will act as the convener. Based on police recommendations and committee approval, eligible individuals will be officially designated as ‘Rah-Veers’. The approved list will be forwarded to the transport commissioner, following which the transport department will disburse the cash reward and certificate.The transport department reiterated that Good Samaritans are entitled to full legal protection under Supreme Court directives and central govt guidelines. Those who provide assistance cannot be harassed by the police or compelled to attend court proceedings, and hospitals are mandated to provide medical care without causing any inconvenience to the helper.Appealing to the public, the transport department urged citizens not to remain passive witnesses during road accidents. ‘A small act of courage can save a life,’ officials said, adding that the govt will ensure both protection and recognition for those who come forward to help.With the message, ‘Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,’ the department called upon people across Telangana to be aware of the Rah-Veer scheme and actively participate in making roads safer.
