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NEW DELHI: If you save a life of a road accident victim by rushing him/ her to the hospital or providing immediate medical care at the spot, you have a chance to win the Jeevan Raksha Padak from the government. Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said the home ministry has accepted the suggestion of his ministry to consider Good Samaritans for the national award.

Though the government has notified the guidelines for protection of Good Samaritans to encourage bystanders to help road accident victims, people hesitate to come to the rescue of the injured fearing the legal process. A law commission report had estimated saving 50% lives of road accident victims, if the injured are admitted to a hospital within the first one hour, which is also known as the Golden Hour.

In 2017, at least 1.46 lakh people died in road accidents.

“We had suggested to include Good Samaritans for the national level award to home minister Rajnath Singhji and his ministry has approved the proposal. People should come forward to help the victims without fear of facing any question or legal hassle,” Gadkari said.

Till now the Jeevan Raksha Padak were awarded to civilians for saving lives from drowning, fire or mine accidents. Even members of the armed forces, police or fire services are also considered for this when they save people’s lives in cases that fall outside beyond the course of their duty. The award is given in three categories - Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak.

“Every hospital across the country are supposed to put banners stating that Good Samaritans won’t face any question or hassle to encourage them. But most of the hospitals have not done the needful to spread the word,” said Harpreet Singh, president of Avoid Accident , a not for profit organisation in Chandigarh.

