New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) In a significant move, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Monday the implementation of the Central government's 'Rah-Veer' initiative, which rewards individuals with Rs 25,000 for saving the lives of those injured in road accidents.

According to an official statement, "This initiative will recognize citizens who provide aid to severely injured road accident victims, awarding them a cash prize of Rs 25,000 along with a certificate of appreciation."

If an individual rescues one or more seriously injured victims during the same incident, the maximum reward remains at Rs 25,000.

Moreover, 10 exemplary Rah-Veers will be honored annually with a national award of Rs 1 lakh each.

Each award will also come with a certificate of recognition.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Central government has introduced this financial incentive to promote humanitarian efforts, allowing ordinary citizens to assist seriously injured victims without hesitation and to show compassion.

She further stated that the primary aim of the scheme is to inspire the public to ensure that seriously injured road accident victims receive timely medical attention during the critical 'golden hour.'

According to her, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways believes that increased public participation in assisting the seriously injured can significantly lower road accident fatalities.

CM Gupta highlighted that many people are reluctant to help due to fears of legal consequences or police involvement; this scheme aims to alleviate those concerns and motivate citizens to take action.

In a bustling city like Delhi, where countless vehicles operate daily, providing immediate medical assistance within the golden hour for severely injured individuals can be crucial for survival.

"With financial incentives and legal safeguards in place, more people will be encouraged to quickly transport seriously injured road accident victims to hospitals, thus saving lives," CM Gupta remarked.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Delhi government would effectively implement this scheme, enhancing road safety and fostering humanitarian responses in the national capital.

As per CM Gupta, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has provided comprehensive guidelines for states and Union Territories to ensure effective execution, and the Delhi government plans to follow these directives.

This initiative aligns with the Good Samaritan Rules established under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which offer legal protection to citizens who voluntarily assist those in distress.

The Central government has further augmented this humanitarian effort with a financial reward, as stated in the official announcement.

The Chief Minister mentioned that this initiative is not only focused on saving the lives of those severely injured in road accidents but also aims to cultivate a culture of compassion within society.

The Delhi government firmly believes that increased public involvement can significantly decrease mortality rates resulting from road accidents, CM Gupta concluded.