Jammu Kashmir Reports 682 Hit-and-run Cases in 2024, Down from 807 in 2023: GoI | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 682 hit-and-run road accident cases in 2024, marking a decline from 807 cases reported in 2023, the Government of India (GoI) informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

According to official data, the Union Territory has witnessed a steady rise in such incidents over the past few years, with 337 cases in 2020, 469 in 2021 and 730 in 2022, before peaking in 2023.

The Centre stated that data on road accidents, including hit-and-run cases, is compiled through the “Road Accidents in India” report based on inputs from States and Union Territories.

On compensation, the government said that the “Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2022” is being implemented from April 1, 2022, under which Rs 2 lakh is provided in case of death and Rs 50,000 in case of grievous injury.

As per the data, Jammu and Kashmir reported limited progress in claims under the scheme, with five claims registered and only one claim paid during 2025–26 (till February 28, 2026). No claims were reported in the preceding years after the scheme’s rollout.

The government further said that a structured timeline has been fixed for settlement of claims. The Claims Enquiry Officer is required to process applications within one month, followed by sanction within 15 days and payment by insurance agencies within another 15 days.

It added that amendments to the scheme were notified in March 2026 to streamline implementation, while District Road Safety Committees and State Road Safety Councils have been empowered to monitor execution and address delays.

The Centre also said that directions have been issued to stakeholders to reduce pendency and ensure faster disbursal of compensation to victims.(KNO)