Telangana launches ‘Raha-Veer’ scheme: Rs 25,000 reward for citizens who save road accident victims
The scheme aims to encourage Good Samaritans, ordinary citizens who provide immediate help to road accident victims, by recognising their life-saving efforts and assuring them full legal protection
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
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Hyderabad: In a major push to reduce fatalities caused by road accidents, the Telangana Transport Department has announced the effective implementation of the ‘Raha-Veer’ scheme, under which citizens who step forward to save accident victims will be rewarded with Rs 25,000 and a Certificate of Appreciation.
The scheme aims to encourage Good Samaritans, ordinary citizens who provide immediate help to road accident victims, by recognising their life-saving efforts and assuring them full legal protection.
Encouraging immediate help at accident sites
The Transport Department stated that many precious lives can be saved if victims receive timely medical assistance. Fear of police questioning or legal complications often discourages people from helping accident victims.
The Raha-Veer scheme seeks to remove these fears and create a supportive environment for citizens to act without hesitation. Any individual whose timely assistance helps save a life will be honoured by the government as a ‘Raha-Veer’ (Road Hero).
Objectives of the Raha-Veer scheme
To ensure immediate medical assistance to road accident victims
To motivate citizens to help without fear or hesitation
To provide legal protection to Good Samaritans
To recognise and honour life-saving actions
Incentives under the scheme
Cash Reward: Rs 25,000 (Rupees Twenty-Five Thousand only)
Certificate of Appreciation issued by the Transport Department
The department has issued a circular to all District Collectors to ensure wide publicity of the scheme and proper implementation.
Selection procedure for Raha-Veer Award
Step 1: Reporting of Life-Saving Assistance
Details of the individual who helped the accident victim and shifted them to a hospital will be recorded by:
The concerned Station House Officer (SHO)
Hospital authorities
Step 2: Police Recommendation
The concerned SHO will recommend the case to the District-Level Committee.
Step 3: District-Level Committee Approval
The committee will examine the recommendation and approve eligible candidates.
District-Level Committee Composition:
District Collector – Chairperson
Superintendent of Police – Member
District Medical & Health Officer – Member
District Transport Officer – Convener
Step 4: Submission to Transport Commissioner
Approved cases will be forwarded to the Transport Commissioner.
Step 5: Award Distribution
Selected Raha-Veers will receive the Rs 25,000 cash award and Certificate of Appreciation from the Transport Department.
Legal protection for Good Samaritans
The Transport Department reiterated that Good Samaritans are entitled to complete legal protection, as per Supreme Court and Central Government guidelines:
No harassment by police or courts
No compulsory questioning or legal formalities
Hospitals must provide immediate treatment without inconvenience
Full legal immunity for those who help accident victims in good faith
Public Appeal
The Transport Department appealed to the public not to remain silent spectators during road accidents. Citizens are urged to come forward without fear, as a small act of help can save a precious life.
Reiterating the message “Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility,” the department called upon people to understand, spread awareness about, and actively support the Raha-Veer scheme.
