22-05-2025
App being designed to alert Junior Rakshaks
Bhubaneswar: The govt is developing a mobile application that will alert 'Junior Rakshaks', who serve as first responders during
road accidents
, about mishaps in their vicinity, enabling faster emergency response times.
In March last year, the state govt introduced the 'Junior Rakshak' programme to equip national cadet corps (NCC) students with first responder training for road accidents.
"We are in the process of developing the app which will be launched soon. The application will have the complete database of our trained Junior Rakshaks and their addresses. If any accident takes place in their areas, they will get instant notifications on their phones, requiring their intervention," a senior transport official said.
'Junior Rakshaks' primary responsibility involves reaching accident locations and assisting in transporting injured people to nearby hospitals. When far from accident sites, they can provide necessary guidance via telephone.
For minor injuries, Junior Rakshaks are trained to administer first aid before shifting the injured to hospitals. "The junior rakshaks contribute to saving vital lives through immediate first aid provision to accident victims.
The initiative aims to save lives during the 'golden hour' by ensuring swift and appropriate first aid and timely transportation to the nearest medical facilities," state transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur said.
T
he govt trained 11,500 students under the Junior Rakshak scheme last year, with plans to reach 20,000 students this year. Training commenced last week at various NCC summer camps across the state.
"Students are receiving both first aid instruction and road safety education. The NCC focuses on building character, fellowship, discipline, secular values, adventurous spirit and selfless service principles amongst young citizens. These trained students will educate their friends in schools and colleges," the official said.
According to the transport department, the Junior Rakshak project seeks to establish a group of organised, disciplined, trained and motivated youth with leadership qualities, serving as road safety ambassadors to raise awareness in society.
"Annually, we plan to prepare a new pool of students for first responder training to assist accident victims. Additionally, these Junior Rakshaks can serve as 'student traffic volunteers' supporting police with traffic management in various cities," another transport official said.
