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Social welfare & Empowerment

Good Samaritan Scheme

Launched on 3rd Oct 2021 by the MoRTH, the scheme grants an award to the good samaritan who has saved the life of a victim of a fatal accident (involving a motor vehicle) by administering immediate assistance and rushing to the Hospital/Trauma Care Centre within the Golden Hour of the accident.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- If one Good Samaritan saves the life of one or more victims of a single fatal accident involving a motor vehicle, the amount of the award will be ₹ 5000/- only. | - If more than one Good Samaritan saves the life of one victim of a fatal accident involving a motor vehicle, the amount of the award i.e. ₹ 5000/-will be divided equally among them. | - If more than one Good Samaritan saves the life of more than one victim of a fatal accident involving a motor vehicle, the amount of award will be ₹ 5000/- per victim saved subject to a maximum of ₹ 5000/-per Good Samaritan. | - Every cash award would be accompanied by a "Certification of Appreciation". | - There will be 10 National Level Awards for the most worthy Good Samaritans (who will be selected from all those who have been awarded during the whole year) and they would be given an Award of ₹ 1,00,000/- each. | - An individual Good Samaritan can be awarded a maximum of 5 times a year.

Who can apply

The applicant should have saved the life of a victim of a fatal accident involving a motor vehicle by administering immediate assistance and rushing to the Hospital/Trauma Care Centre within the Golden Hour of the accident to provide medical treatment.; Good Samaritans, who are not willing to disclose their details, would not be awarded under the scheme.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Who Is A Good Samaritan?

A Good Samaritan is a person who, in good faith, without expectation of payment or reward and without any duty of care or special relationship, voluntarily comes forward to administer immediate assistance or emergency care to a person injured in an accident, or crash, or emergency medical condition, or emergency situation.

What Is Good Samaritan Law?

The Good Samaritan Law allows a person, without expectation of payment or reward and without any duty of care or special relationship, voluntarily come forward to administer immediate assistance or emergency care to a person injured in an accident, or crash, or emergency medical condition. Good Samaritan Law protects Good Samaritans from harassment on the actions being taken by them to save the life of the road accident victims.

Why The Need For Good Samaritan Law?

India is an unfortunate victim of a large number of road crash fatalities. Three out of four people in the country are hesitant to help injured accident victims on roads due to fear of police harassment, detention at hospitals, and prolonged legal formalities. Even if someone wants to help, these factors stop them from doing so.

How Did India Get A Good Samaritan Law?

In the last ten years, road crashes have killed over 13 lakh people in India. According to the Law Commission of India, 50% of these victims died of preventable injuries and could have been saved if they had received care on time. The role of the bystander is critical in providing emergency care to the victim. Yet, in India, bystanders have been hesitant to help the injured for fear of legal repercussions and procedural hassles. | In 2012, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court of India, requesting the Hon'ble court to safeguard Good Samaritans who come forward to help the injured.

What is the Award For Each Good Samaritan?

The amount of award for each Good Samaritan would be [?] 5,000/- per incident.

Till when shall this scheme Remain Operational?

The scheme will remain operational till the completion of the 15th Financial Cycle, i.e. till 31st March 2026.

What is the Objective Of The Good Samaritan Scheme?

The objective of the scheme is to motivate the general public to help road accident victims in emergency situations and inspire and motivate others to save innocent lives..

Will the Good Samaritan be Subjected To Any Further Requirements By The Police?

A Good Samaritan who has informed the police of any accident involving a motor vehicle, or who has transported a victim of an accident involving a motor vehicle to the hospital, shall not be subjected to any further requirements by the police or the hospital and shall be permitted to leave immediately.

How many National Level Awards are granted each year For The Most Worthy Good Samaritans?

There will be 10 National Level Awards for the most worthy Good Samaritans (who will be selected from all those who have been awarded during the whole year) and they would be given an Award of [?] 1,00,000/- each.

How many times can a Good Samaritan be awarded?

An individual Good Samaritan can be awarded a maximum of 5 times a year.

Will the Good Samaritan receive a "Certification of Appreciation"?

Yes, every cash award would be accompanied by a "Certification of Appreciation".

What if More Than One Good Samaritan Saves The Life Of More Than One Victim?

If more than one Good Samaritan saves the life of more than one victim of a fatal accident involving a motor vehicle, the amount of award will be [?] 5000/- per victim saved subject to a maximum of [?] 5000/-per Good Samaritan.