Nitin Gadkari Unveils 1.5L Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims
In a significant move towards improving road safety and providing immediate relief to accident victims, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has launched the “Cashless Treatment Scheme” for accident victims.
The scheme will cover up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the treatment of road accident victims within seven days of the incident, provided the police are informed within 24 hours.
Cashless Treatment Scheme Details
Under the new scheme, road accident victims can receive cashless medical treatment for up to seven days after the accident. The scheme ensures that the government will cover the treatment costs of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for those admitted to the hospital. The crucial condition for eligibility is that the police must be notified within 24 hours of the accident.
Gadkari emphasized the government’s commitment to road safety and providing timely assistance to victims. He said, “This initiative will ensure that accident victims do not face financial difficulties during the crucial first days of treatment,” marking a significant step toward improving emergency medical responses.
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Ex-Gratia Payment for Hit-and-Run Victims
As part of the same initiative, the Union Minister also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who die in hit-and-run accidents. This will provide some financial relief to the families in their time of grief and loss.
Road Safety Statistics and Government’s Priority
Gadkari also discussed the troubling road safety statistics, revealing that 1.8 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents in 2024, with 30,000 fatalities due to the non-use of helmets.
Additionally, 66% of accidents involved people between the ages of 18 to 34, indicating the importance of focusing on this age group for road safety education and enforcement.
Also Read: The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024
Concerns Over Child Safety at Schools
Another alarming issue raised by Gadkari was the deaths of 10,000 children in road accidents near schools and colleges, particularly caused by poor infrastructure and unsafe entry/exit points.
The Minister stressed that the government would enforce stricter regulations on school vehicles, such as auto-rickshaws and minibuses, to reduce accidents.
