Lucknow: In a landmark move aimed at promoting timely assistance to road accident victims, the Uttar Pradesh government has officially implemented the Raah Veer Yojana, a central initiative launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme offers a reward of up to ₹25,000 to any citizen who helps transport a road accident victim to a hospital within the crucial golden hour — the first hour after an accident, which is considered critical for saving lives.
The announcement was met with praise across the state, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath describing the scheme as “a shining example of public participation, service, and humanity.” He emphasized that the Raah Veer initiative not only encourages timely intervention but also seeks to dispel the fear and hesitation people often feel about helping accident victims due to legal or procedural complications.
Key Highlights of the Raah Veer Yojana:
Reward Increased to ₹25,000:
Initially, the reward under the scheme was ₹5,000, but it has now been significantly increased to ₹25,000 to incentivize more citizens to act quickly in times of emergency.
Golden Hour Protocol:
If a citizen takes an accident victim to a hospital or trauma center within the first hour of the incident and helps save their life, they will be eligible for the reward.
Seamless Process:
Upon bringing the injured person to the hospital, the institution will notify the local police. A copy of the report will be provided to the good Samaritan as proof of assistance. The police will then inform the District Collector, and the Transport Department will process the reward payment directly to the helper’s bank account.
Statewide Implementation:
The scheme has been rolled out across all districts of Uttar Pradesh, including major urban centers like Lucknow, ensuring that people in both urban and rural areas benefit from this life-saving initiative.
A Step Towards Safer Roads and Stronger Communities
Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, whose term was recently extended, expressed his full support for the initiative. He stated that the police department will ensure full cooperation in verifying and facilitating the reward process, and that the scheme aligns well with the broader objective of community policing and public trust. The Raah Veer scheme is expected to not only save thousands of lives by ensuring immediate medical attention but also foster a sense of responsibility and compassion among citizens.
With road accidents claiming countless lives every year, especially due to delays in medical response, this scheme marks a significant step in bridging the gap between incident and intervention. Citizens are being encouraged to act swiftly, without fear, and contribute to building a more humane and responsive society.
