In a significant move to encourage people to assist victims of road accidents, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced an increase in the reward for good Samaritans. Those who help injured victims within the crucial first hour, often referred to as the "Golden Hour," will now receive a reward of Rs 25,000, a substantial increase from the previous amount of Rs 5,000. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by accident victims who require immediate medical attention during the critical first hour following an accident.

The announcement was made during a road safety event in Nagpur, where Gadkari was joined by actor Anupam Kher. Gadkari emphasized that the current reward of Rs 5,000 was inadequate for those who risk their safety to rush accident victims to hospitals. The minister stated that the enhanced reward would provide greater motivation for citizens to step forward in times of need.

In addition to the reward for good Samaritans, Gadkari also unveiled a new scheme to cover hospital expenses for accident victims. The government will now cover medical costs up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the first seven days of treatment for individuals injured in road accidents, regardless of whether they occur on national or state highways. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on accident victims and their families during the critical initial period of recovery.

The scheme for rewarding good Samaritans was first launched in October 2021. It defines a good Samaritan as someone who, in good faith, provides emergency medical assistance to a person injured in an accident without any expectation of reward or compensation. This gesture not only saves lives but also fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy within communities.

With these new measures, the government hopes to improve road safety and ensure that timely medical help is available to those who need it the most.