Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday announced a new scheme to provide cashless medical treatment for road accident victims. The initiative will cover medical expenses for up to seven days or a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh, provided the accident is reported to the police within 24 hours.
Compensation for Hit-and-Run Cases
For fatalities in hit-and-run cases, the deceased’s immediate family will receive ₹2 lakh as compensation. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Gadkari shared that the scheme had been piloted in select states. Challenges identified during the trial phase are being addressed to make the scheme more effective for victims and their families.
Alarming Road Accident Statistics
Highlighting the critical issue of road safety, Gadkari revealed that 1.8 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents across India in 2024. Key findings included:
- Helmet Non-Use: Around 30,000 deaths were linked to the non-use of helmets.
- Youth Impact: 66% of fatalities involved individuals aged between 18 and 34.
- Child Fatalities: Faulty road designs near schools and colleges caused the deaths of 10,000 children.
- Unlicensed Drivers: Around 3,000 fatalities involved drivers without valid licenses.
Addressing the Driver Shortage
India faces a shortage of nearly 22 lakh skilled drivers, Gadkari noted. To tackle this, the government plans to establish more driving training centres to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.
Promoting Vehicle Scrappage
Gadkari also emphasized the benefits of scrapping old vehicles, explaining how recycling materials like aluminum, copper, steel, and plastic can rejuvenate the automobile industry and support a circular economy.