Centre plans compensation fund for acid attack victims

New Delhi, December 12
The Centre is planning to launch a comprehensive fund for acid attack victims, which will include a compensation of more than Rs 3 lakh, the government told the Lok Sabha amid demands for death penalty for those indulging in such crimes.

Responding to concerns expressed by members, Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary said the norms for purchase and sale of acids are already strict and District Magistrates are responsible for controlling purchase and supply of such material.

He was replying to a private member’s Bill moved by BJP member Kirit Premjibhai Solanki. The Acid Control Bill, 2014 was later withdrawn.

The Minister said acid attack is a heinous crime as the women do not only suffer physical injury but mental trauma as well.

In order to resolve this issue, strict action needs to be taken, he said, adding that not only the sale of acids should be checked, but also victims should be compensated fully.

He said the government will take care of all expenses of acid attack victims as it is planning to launch a comprehensive Victim Compensation Fund that will take care of medical expenditure as well.

Currently the state governments pay Rs 3 lakh to acid attack victims and under the scheme, the Centre could pay more.

As per current estimates, there are around 3 lakh shopkeepers who are selling acids.

Earlier, while participating in the debate, members demanded that acid attack should attract death penalty.

To this, the Minister said punishment has already been increased from 10 years in prison to life imprisonment. — PTI