Good Samaritan Scheme

The Good Samaritan Scheme was launched by the Road Transport Ministry in October 2021. The scheme mainly targets the persons saving lives in road accidents.

What are the key features of the scheme?

• The scheme runs from October 2021 and March 2026.
• Under the scheme, the Government of India provides cash price of Rs 5000 per accident to those who saves lives in road accidents by taking them to hospital within the “golden hour”. Golden hour is the one hour time period after a traumatic injury. A life can be saved if prompt medical care is provided during this period.
• Also, the GoI will provide a cash price of Rs 5000 per accident to the persons saving lives. This is done to motivate the public to help road accident victims in emergency situations.
• The rules to the scheme were framed based on the Section 134A of Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2019. Under this amendment, Section 134A was inserted. It said that a good Samaritan will not be held responsible for any injury or death resulted while acting during an emergency or medical assistance.

National level awards under the scheme

Besides the rewards, the Road ministry has plans to present awards under the scheme. The “Worthiest Food Samaritan” awards are to be presented to ten good Samaritans. The awardees will be presented with cash price of one lakh rupees.

When the good Samaritan informs the Police about the incident at first hand, the police provides an acknowledgement letter after verifying details from the doctor.

What is the issue around the scheme?

The state governments are not popularizing the scheme.

What is the need of the scheme?

India witnesses five lakh road accidents and 1.5 lakh deaths every year. Most of the deaths during these accidents occur as the victims do not get medical help within the golden hour.