On 4 January 2026, MoRTH explained the Good Samaritan protections and the Rah-Veer scheme. Under it, anyone who takes a serious accident victim to hospital within the Golden Hour gets Rs 25,000. Moreover, the law shields such helpers from legal harassment. Notably, the ministry cited the Law Commission of India on road deaths. According to it, timely care could have saved half of those who died of preventable injuries.
Legal Protection for Good Samaritans
MoRTH notified the Good Samaritan Rules in 2020 under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 added this section. Under these rules, no one can compel a helper to reveal personal details. Also, helpers need not face unnecessary detention or legal hassles. However, the ministry said three in four people hesitate to help victims, mainly over fear of harassment.
How the Rah-Veer Reward Works
The revised scheme took effect on 21 April 2025, with validity till 31 March 2026. If several people save one victim, they share the Rs 25,000 equally. Also, a person can receive the award up to five times a year. In addition, the scheme offers 10 national awards of Rs 1 lakh each every year. Finally, a District Level Appraisal Committee under the District Magistrate reviews claims monthly.
Which Cases Qualify
The scheme covers serious accidents only. Such cases involve major surgery, at least three days in hospital, or brain or spinal injury. It also covers deaths during treatment.
Golden Hour and Cashless Treatment
Section 2(12A) of the Motor Vehicles Act defines the Golden Hour. It means the one hour after a traumatic injury when prompt care best prevents death. Meanwhile, on 8 January 2026, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a cashless treatment scheme for accident victims. It will cover treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh for at least seven days. Also, he said the Prime Minister would launch it soon.
Rah-Veer Scheme: Key Facts for Revision
- Reward: Rs 25,000 per incident, plus a certificate
- National awards: 10 awards of Rs 1 lakh each every year
- Legal basis: Section 134A, MV Act (added in 2019); Good Samaritan Rules, 2020
- Golden Hour: Defined in Section 2(12A), MV Act
- Cashless treatment: Up to Rs 1.5 lakh for at least seven days
Why the Rah-Veer Scheme Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, road safety links GS Paper 2 welfare schemes with GS Paper 3 disaster and infrastructure topics. So, remember the Rs 25,000 reward, Section 134A and the Golden Hour definition. Also, link this scheme with Uttarakhand’s high road-accident risk on hill roads. For official updates, also visit MoRTH. Next, for a related story, read about the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.