**Agartala, October 1:** Eight people from Tripura were felicitated on Wednesday for coming to the aid of road accident victims and helping ensure their timely transportation to hospitals under the state government’s ‘Rahveer’ Good Samaritan initiative.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury presented each awardee with Rs 25,000 and a certificate at a function held at Conference Hall No. 1 of the State Secretariat.
The programme seeks to encourage ordinary citizens to intervene during road accidents and provide assistance to injured persons, officials said.
Kajal Debnath and Prasenjit Bhowmik were jointly honoured, while Ashesh Das, Khurshid Mia and Ajit Das, all from Gomati district, were among the other recipients.
Satyajit Kumar Shil and Satya Ranjan Debnath from Dhalai district and Latika Sinha from Unakoti district were also felicitated at the programme.
Officials said the awardees had assisted accident victims during emergencies and helped take them to medical facilities, enabling them to receive treatment without unnecessary delay.
Speaking at the event, Chowdhury appealed to citizens to respond promptly when they come across road accident victims.
“After an accident, do not hesitate—help the injured, take them to the hospital, and assist in saving a precious life,” he said.
The minister commended the awardees for overcoming hesitation and extending help during critical situations. He said their actions demonstrated compassion and a sense of responsibility towards fellow citizens.
Chowdhury said road safety efforts required the involvement of society as a whole and could not be limited to enforcement by government agencies and traffic authorities.
He urged people to adopt the spirit of the Rahveer initiative and assist those requiring emergency help.
“Let us not say ‘no’ in times of crisis—extend the hand of humanity and stand beside those in need,” he said.
Officials said the Good Samaritan programme was part of the Transport Department’s broader efforts to promote road safety and increase public participation in emergency response.
The initiative focuses on encouraging timely assistance to accident victims and improving their chances of receiving prompt medical treatment, they said.
Officials also highlighted the importance of creating awareness about safeguards available to Good Samaritans who voluntarily help road accident victims.
They said recognition of citizens who provide such assistance could encourage others to come forward instead of avoiding involvement because of concerns over possible legal or procedural difficulties.
The ceremony highlighted the role of citizens in complementing official emergency response mechanisms following road accidents.
The Transport Department said greater public participation in assisting accident victims would contribute to efforts aimed at reducing fatalities and improving road safety in the state.
