Relief hiked for rape, acid-attack victims

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 18 

The government has enhanced the compensation from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh for crime victims, including rape and acid attack.

The Department of Home issued a notification of “The Himachal Pradesh (Victim of Crime) Compensation Scheme, 2019”  yesterday. If the victim is less than 14 years of age, the compensation will be increased by 50 per cent over the amount. As such, a minor acid or rape victim will now be entitled to a compensation of Rs 4.50 lakh. The scheme covers 15 crime, including physical abuse of minor and death or injury in case of woman in cross-border firing.  

The main objective is to provide financial assistance to the victim and support services such as shelter, counselling, medical aid, legal assistance, education and vocational training depending upon the needs of the victim. 

It has often been seen that the victim and the family has to run from pillar to post to seek financial assistance even for treatment and rehabilitation as the court procedures take some time.

The money will be given to the victim or her relative from the Himachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Fund constituted under Clause 4 of the scheme. The government will allot a separate budget for the purpose every year and the fund be operated by the Member Secretary, Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority. 

As per the scheme, no claim can be made by the victim or dependent after 12 months from the date of crime. However, the district or state legal services authority may entertain the application after the expiry of the period if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented from filing the application in time.

The scheme also has a provision for refund of the compensation if the  victim fails to co-operate with the police or prosecution during investigation and trial of the case  or the victim gives false evidence at any stage of a judicial proceeding.  With the latest notification, the Himachal Pradesh (Victim of Crime) Compensation Scheme 2012, Financial Assistance and Support Services to Victim of Rape Scheme, 2012, Relief and Rehabilitation to women Acid Victim Scheme, 2016 stand repealed.