Background of the Initiative
Delhi Rolls Out Rah-Veer Scheme to Save Lives: The Delhi Government has decided to implement the Centre’s Rah-Veer Scheme to encourage citizens to help road accident victims. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in February 2026.
The scheme provides a financial incentive and legal protection to individuals who assist seriously injured victims. The focus is on ensuring timely medical care during emergencies.
India records one of the highest numbers of road accident fatalities globally. Urban centres like Delhi face heavy vehicular traffic, increasing the risk of severe accidents.
Static GK fact: Delhi is a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly under Article 239AA of the Constitution.
Focus on the Golden Hour
The scheme prioritises treatment within the Golden Hour, the first hour after a traumatic injury. Medical experts consider this period crucial for preventing fatalities and long-term disabilities.
If victims receive medical attention within this time frame, survival rates increase significantly. The government aims to reduce preventable deaths through immediate citizen response.
According to official road safety data, timely intervention can cut accident mortality rates substantially. Public participation is therefore central to the scheme’s success.
Static GK Tip: The Golden Hour concept is widely applied in trauma care protocols worldwide.
Reward and Recognition
Under the Rah-Veer Scheme, a citizen who ensures a seriously injured victim reaches a hospital within the Golden Hour will receive ₹25,000. The reward remains capped at ₹25,000 per accident, even if multiple victims are assisted.
In addition to the cash incentive, the helper receives a certificate of appreciation. This formal recognition aims to promote civic responsibility.
Every year, 10 outstanding Rah-Veers will be selected for a national-level award of ₹1 lakh. This provision adds prestige to humanitarian action.
The scheme attempts to create a culture where helping accident victims becomes a norm rather than an exception.
Legal Protection Under Good Samaritan Law
Fear of legal complications often discourages people from helping accident victims. To address this concern, the scheme ensures protection under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019.
The Act includes Good Samaritan provisions, safeguarding individuals from civil or criminal liability when assisting accident victims in good faith. Helpers cannot be compelled to reveal personal details unnecessarily.
This legal assurance is critical in building public confidence. The government expects higher reporting and quicker hospital admissions as a result.
Static GK fact: The Motor Vehicles Act was originally enacted in 1988 and significantly amended in 2019 to improve road safety and compensation mechanisms.
Broader Road Safety Context
Road accidents remain a major public health issue in India. High-speed traffic, urban congestion, and delayed emergency response contribute to fatalities.
By combining financial incentives and legal protection, the Rah-Veer Scheme seeks to institutionalise compassionate action. It aligns with national road safety reforms and citizen-centric governance.
The initiative reflects a shift from passive observation to active public engagement in emergency care.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Delhi Rolls Out Rah-Veer Scheme to Save Lives:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme Name | Rah-Veer Scheme |
| Implementing Authority | Delhi Government |
| Announcement Year | 2026 |
| Reward Amount | ₹25,000 per accident |
| Special National Award | ₹1 lakh for 10 selected individuals annually |
| Legal Framework | Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 |
| Core Objective | Ensure treatment within Golden Hour |
| Target Group | Good Samaritans helping accident victims |
