Citizens show heart, shun 25k reward for helping accident victims

Vadodara: True to its reputation as Sanskarinagri, residents of the city are choosing compassion over cash, with none opting to claim the Rs 25,000 incentive offered under the Raah-Veer scheme for helping road accident victims.Traffic police officials said that not a single application has been received for the reward since the scheme was introduced in Gujarat in June 2025. "No citizen who has helped accident victims has applied so far. Most believe that saving lives is a moral duty and should not be rewarded with money," said D M Vyas, ACP (traffic), Vadodara.He added that while the scheme is a positive initiative aimed at encouraging prompt assistance during accidents, lack of awareness could also be a factor. "Those who are aware of it often choose not to avail the benefit," he said.Under the Raah-Veer scheme, individuals who help accident victims by taking them to hospital or by alerting 108 emergency services during the critical ‘golden hour' are eligible for the incentive. The initiative, launched by the ministry of road transport and highways, also ensures protection for Good Samaritans from legal harassment.A district-level committee verifies claims, and applicants must provide proof of assistance, either by transporting the injured to a hospital or by contacting emergency services.